Chicago in Tears and.Smiles, = 


Rev. Wm. Hansen. ~ 


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KARL G, PARCHERT ~ | : 
22413 Cleveland Avenue | 
Dearborn, Michigan 


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CHG AGO 


TEARS AND SMILES. 


BY 


WILHELM VOM STRANDE. 


TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN 


BY 


ROBERT EDWARD GUTERMANN. 


CLEVELAND, OHIO: 
PRESS OF LAUER & MATTILL. 


1893. 


OF2, 


COPYRIGHT, 1893, 
—_— BY — 
REV. WM. HANSON. 


5S oF 








ES 


a Lae” Go | 


PREFACE. 


The eyes of the whole world are directed this year to- 
wards Chicago, the great Metropolis of the West. The na- 
tions of the earth are assembled there to celebrate the 400th 
anniversary of the discovery of our continent as well as to 
become acquainted with our glorious country, with its insti- 
tutions, with our progress in all departments of human 
knowledge. 

There was no city of our country more fit for the great 
exhibition than Chicago, for “Chicago is America.” No city 
of our continent has grown so big in such a short time, no 
city of our country is equal to it in its commerce and inter- 
course with life, it-is unsurpassed in its scientific institutions. 


A great many of the richest people of our country are 
living in this city, but next to the palaces of the wealthy 
man we find the meanest hovels of the poor one; close to 
the magnificent churches we see the most shocking places of 


te : ‘ 
vice and gambling, whose doors are open day and night, 


threatening to devour every one coming into its neighbor- 
hood ; side by side with the institutions dedicated to the ser- 
vice of science and knowledge, flourish those which foster 
stupidity and superstition—in short, Chicago with its bright 
and unfavorable sides is a true copy of our country, and ev- 
eryone who knows Chicago, knows America. 

This book, first written in German, and afterwards trans- 
lated into English, is offered as a small contribution to the his- 
tory of the development of Chicago, as well as an illustra- 
tion of the above-mentioned bright and unfavorable sides of 


3 


4 PREFACE. ._- 


this city. The persons speaking and acting in these de- 
scriptions, are men and women of real life, are persons, hav- 
ing lived in Chicago before and during the great conflagra- 
tion. The acts and deeds did also chiefly come to pass in 
the way, the editor tells us. | And wherever he had to put 
in persons, which did not exist, and facts, which are feigned, 
they are nevertheless true illustrations of Chicago life as we 
find it to-day. 

So the book may now take its course and find its way 
into the houses of all friends and admirers of the city on 
Lake Michigan. But since everything has its practical side 
too, it may be said that the publication of this work is no 
money-making scheme, but that its clear gain is intended to 
be used for charitable purposes, that is, for the aid and sup- 
port of poor children and orphans, to give those poor ones a 
home under the influence of Christianity. Prov. xix. 17. 


_ 
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— 
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CONTENTS. 


I. DIVISION. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER, 


On: Maxwell Streeticcsteshicsoies tate cacoaren fates cebeeavcseei kita pate 
The. First:, Sabbaths i270 Mi ae aoe er genvrerucansaniuateee 
Fhe First. Day inf Cherie icici ccs at cae casi deccnsarbavedoueeiees 
The Funerabs 565285 sce eka seat ry ak be eee ne ease aaa 
Miers: Orlin asia ich cccat eas tance ae eae as a ane 
Mr. Orlin 


PORE R REE EERE eee HOH ee HEHE EE EEE CHEE EEO ES EEE EE EHO EEEEES Hebe eH ree Oe EEee 
POOR Oe Cee meee eee wears wees wee ee Eee ees 


POO ee Hee eee eee Reet eee Heat ee eee ee beeee 


Disgrace in the Holy Place...... 

The Doctor Falls into the Water 
How: the Doctor’ Can: Swit... 5 siiciscs ecco device cae vate saee tenes 
The Doctor Drowns i... 6658.00. ec aks shah sacle on : 


CORR e Be eee e ee BERR eee eee ee arene 


II. DIVISION. 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 


The Preparations 
MUN PRONN Gr pic do 5gc) Sek: sn ese <n Po ob edo Marva buyapalededie pe koe pepe Reet 
The Commencement.. 

Various Meeters.. 


PRR eee eee ee FO HERE OE He HEE H EEE HEHE EE HED BEE EEE 


_ The New Plan Is Eneried Out. 


ROR e eee teen eee eee meee HH eee ee Eee 


Chicago in Flames 


Among the Ruins... . Ce SARS See 
On the Prairie and in i the Gaenty Hospital. Wes yen hetecen sk Latte 
Meetings between the ROiNS............66. scccecese cone se eneseclenveees F 


Once More in the County Hospital... 
A Picany tn Blin Haret ics ies mieten vars cat atta agneaes eat 
The Voting for a Minister in the Des Plaines St. Church... 


5 


Cs Pee 


CONTENTS. 


Ill. DIVISION. 


: THE PASTOR. 
BG CBIR: MAU ayia 3 as'vesh tn day dapopeicatinr bendse kato entoed baauay eee 
The First Clotde. 5. 2 cs gsesdeeccess encase hchaslenrbees 
Theological Examination............. Gixerepaleates 
Bia: Tnstatha tioiy ss. ss essa deoseincseudtne senor gel on eaeeaage heb on Sod alee 
Is Not This a Brand Plucked Out of the Fire?......0...0...000.006 
The Plot... 
Mission Welds: Sesh 
“Son of Man, Behold, I Take. Away: Siete Thee “hie. Dots 
of Thy Eyes.” Ez, 24: 14... Bs ye? ANAS a re 
Louise... Saehaascdean quesmena ua bacduaaaitecae ep ke ee 
The Kitchen ‘of the Poor. ms 
“Catch the Little or ior. They Denis oy ‘Out r Vineyat ard’ 
The Departure... a cued vec oneee bane ape dS ER 





POBtSCH I Ge sesscss od enes never asveractensu ss snl Samepoahones tnpes Sapaeye qed encase 


Chicago in Tears and Smiles. 


I. DIVISION. 








THE SCHOOLMASTER. 





1. ON MAXWELL STREET. 


About twenty years ago, there stood in Chicago, on 

, Maxwell, near Union Street, a neatly-built cottage, with a 
small garden in front., At the time_.of our story, only a few 
trees, wrapped with straw, could be seen ; it was Winter, and. 
the month of February. A thin cover of snow was lying on: 
the ground. On the cottage door was a sign, upon which: 
were, in white metallic letters, the words, “Dr. Adolphus,, 
Pastor.” Let us come nearer, and make acquaintance with 
the inhabitants of this beautiful little place; they are eating 
breakfast. First we see the pastor, a very nice looking man, 
with long, black, curly hair. The smooth shaved face, at. 
first sight, gave him a very youthful appearance, and no one: 
would have taken him to be older than thirty; yet he has, 
passed his fortieth year. A young woman was seated beside: 
him; she might have counted twenty Summers; a blonde: 
with blue eyes. Her face was pale, and around her eyes a 
red ring could be seen, as though she had been weeping; at 
any rate, one could see that a deep sorrow was gnawing at. 
her young life. This was the pastor’s wife. An affectionate 
little girl with dark hair and brown eyes was sitting at his. 
wife’s side in a baby chair, while another girl with a strik- 
ingly beautiful face was also present, having dark hair, and 
large eyes, of medium height with a beautiful form ; charms 


8 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


of which, one could see, she was fully conscious. This was 
the maid-servant. “Louisa,” said the doctor, “reach me the 
Bible.” The girl gave him the Book and he opened to the 
23rd Psalm and read: 

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He maketh 
me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the 
still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadcth me in the 
path of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear 
no evil: for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they 
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- 
ence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil ; 
my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall 
follow me all the days of my life; and 1 will dwell in the 
house of the Lord forever.” - 

After reading, a short prayer was spoken, and breakfast 
and devotion ended. While the maid-servant was removing 
the repast, the bell rang, and the pastor responded. As he 
opened the door, he exclaimed delightedly: “Welcome, 
brother William; arrived at last from the far east!” and 
turning around, he called to his wife: “Kmilhe, our William 
has arrived.” After a short time, William with his wife 
Julia and two half-grown children, entered the room. All 
were welcomed, and soon made themselves comfortable. The 
maid-servant had to lay the table again, and the newcomers 
had a good appetite. 

The man addressed as brother William was the appointed 
teacher of Dr. Adolphus’ “Gemeinde Schule.” They had 
become acquainted in New Jersey, where both had labored in 
an evangelical church. After the newcomers had refreshed 
themselves, William noticed the sorrowful expression on the 
face of the doctor’s wife, and asked : “Have you been weeping, 
Mrs. Adolphus?” 

“T am not quite well ;” she answered. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 9 


It was on the same day, Saturday afternoon, while the 
Doctor was studying his sermon for Sunday, and the teach- 
er’s family had retired, having traveled for two nights, and 
the maid-servant was working around out of doors, that 
William and the pastor’s wife were alone in tbe parlor. 

“You have been weeping this morning,” said he. “What 
was the cause of these tears? As an old friend of the family, 
I think I have a.right to ask this question. I hoped to find 
you full of joy and happiness, but [ fear you are not happy,” 
said the teacher. 

“Dear, worthy friend,’ was the reply, “do not think 
hard of me, but I cannot tell you, nor will I teil the cause 
of my sorrow and tears to anyone, not even to you, although 
you have a right to know; for through your kind words I 
was led to the Fountain of Life, But there is something in 
Life, which Life cannot understand, and, therefore, we must 
bring our complaint to God. How are all of my friends in 
P., New Jersey ?” 

“They are all well, also your parents, brothers and sis- 
ters; and as you do not wish to tell me what is in your trou- 
bled heart, be assured, I will not ask you what it is that 
gnaws at your life; but I shall find it out, it matters not 
how, for it is not all the same to me, to know that a daughter 
of a family I esteem, is unhappy.” 

After supper, about twelve persons assembled in the 
doctor's parlor for prayer, the larger part of them being la- 
dies, although there were several gentlemen present also. 

The newly arrived family was introduced and warmly 
welcomed by all. Pastor Adolphus took up a song book and 
the Bible, and looking devoutly upward, gave out the num- 
ber of the song, and, after it was finished, read the nineteenth 
Psalm : 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firma- 
ment showeth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth 


10 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is 
no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their 
line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the 
end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the 
sun; which is asa bridegroom coming out of his chamber, 
and rejoiceth as a strong man toruna race. His going forth — 
is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends 
of it; and there is nothing hidden from the heat thereot. 
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; the testi- 
mony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the stat- 
utes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command- 
ment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of 
the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the 
Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired 
are they than gold; yea, than much fine god; sweeter also 
than honey and the honey comb. Moreover, by them is thy 
servant warned, and in keeping of them, there is great reward. 
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from se- 
cret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptious 
sins; let them not have dominion over me: Then shail I be 
upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgres- 
sion. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of 
my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, 
and my Redeemer.” 


The assembly was very attentive. To this the voice ot 
the doctor contributed very much, for he had a full, melodious. 
voice. Even in daily life, those that heard him speaking on 
he streets, were captivated by its sweetness. He made 
but few remarks, as the psalm is easily explained and 
understood. After another song and the Lord’s Prayer, 
devotion was ended; although the guests remained. 


_ We must make acquaintance with several of these 
guests. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 11 


_A young gentleman, Blumenthal by name, of the Jew- 
ish religion, was present. But, what does he here? Does 
he wish to become a Christian? It may be. However, it 
seems as though a young lady had attracted his attention. 
She was a friend of Dr. Adolphus; this beautiful Miss Au- ° 
rora, and idolized by Mr. Blumenthal. ‘There were two hon- 
est laborers, one a shoemaker and the other a cooper, both 
elders in Dr. Adolphus’s church, who lived in the neighbor- 
hood. A somewhat elderly lady, the wife of the attorney, 
Mr. Orlin, was also present. It was rather suspicious, that. 
the whole company, especially the young ladies and women, 
were handsome people. It seemed as though our pastor only 
attracted such. The conversation was of a lively character, 
all subjects being discussed; still there was an earnestness, 
which checked its enjoyment. At nine o'clock they ad- 
journed. 


“Well, Julia, how do you like Dr. Adolphus?’ asked 
William. 

“Let me tell you,” answered his wife, “that man is a 
perfect hypocrite, and we must look out for him.” 

“You are seeing ghosts. I know the man too well to 
- think so of him; and do you think that I would have ac- 
cepted the call, had I not been convinced that he is a Chris- 
tian?” 7 

“T hope that I judged him wrong; but let us be on the 
lookout, for I am certain that I am not deceiving myself, for 
he has something of the demon and serpent about him.” 

“She may be right,’ thought the schoolmaster. “The 
future will reveal.” 


12 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


2. THE FIRST SABBATH. | 


The Winter sun was sending his rays into the bed-room 
of our friend.. William, with his wife and children, had, for 
the first time, spent a night in the great metropolis of the 
West. William was up and reading, but his wife and chil- 
dren were yet sleeping. His mind was not upon his reading, 
for now and then deep groans were uttered by him. 


“Can it be that my wife is right in her decision concern- 
ing Doctor Adolphus?” he murmured to himself. “Have I 
really been deceived in this man? Do the tears of his young 
wife confirm her fears?” The future will reveal, but I must 
be on the alert.” 

“Good morning, papa,’ was heard from the youngest 
daughter ; and our teacher was disturbed in his monologue. 
“OQ, papa, I have slept so well,” she said. 

“Have you dreamed, my child? Your Grandmother in 
Germany always said, ‘What you dream the first night in a 
strange place comes true.’ ” 

“JT had no time to dream,”’ was the answer of the happy 
child. 

“But I had a dream,” said William’s wife, “and it was 
not a nice one either.” 

“What did you dream of,’ asked the eldest daughter, 
who was now awake. “Tell us.” 

“Yes, tell us,” shouted both children. 


“T dreamed,” said the wife, “that all of us were sitting 
beside each other in church ; you, dear William, at my right, 
and the children at my left. After the choral: 


‘My hope is built on nothing less, 
Than Jesus and His righteousness ; 
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name, 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 13 


had been sung, Dr. Adolphus mounted the pulpit. After 
prayer, the devil also mounted the pulpit, and stood behind- 
the Doctor. He had a red jacket on, and his face was as red 
as fire. Two short horns grew out of his head. Adolphus 
read the text, which was taken from the Revelation of St. 
John, and which read as follows: ‘And God shall wipe away 
all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, 
neither sorrow nor weeping ; neither shall there be any more 
pain. For the former things are passed away!’ His sermon 
brought tears to the eyes of those present. I also should 
have been carried away by his powerful words, had not the 
devil been standing behind him with a mocking smile. In 
the midst of the sermon, the devil took a rope from his pocket 
and, making a loop in it, put it over the head of the doctor, 
and began to grow so that he was several heads taller. After 
the sermon was over, and Dr. Adolphus was preparing to say 
the benediction, a laugh was heard, which sounded like the 
mocking laugh of evil spirits. The assembly disappeared, 
The roof of the church opened itself in some mysterious 
way, and the devil, with Dr. Adolphus, floated through the’ 
air. Bathed in the perspiration of anguish I awoke when 
Marie cried out, ‘Good morning, papa.’ ” 

“A strange dream, which was produced through your 
rash decision against the doctor,” said William to his wife. 


“Papa, you said, what you dream the first night at a 
strange place, comes true,” said little Marie. 


“No, my child; it was only the strange idea of your 
grandmama,” was the answer. 

After making themselves ready for church, they went 
into the doctor’s room, where they found everything quite 
lively, and breakfast ready. After eating, Dr. Adolphus 
asked William to hold morning ‘prayer. He took the Bible 
and opened it tothe 91st Psalm: 


14 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High 
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say 
of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in 
him will I trust. 


“Surely, he shall deliver thee trom the snare of the fowl- 
er, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee 
with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; His 
truth shall be thy shield and buckler. ; 

“Thou shalt not be afraid for toe terror by night; nor 
for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that 
walketh in darkness ; nor for the destruction that wasteth at 
noonday. 

“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at 
thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with 
thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wick- 
ed. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, 
even the Most High, thy habitation: There shall no evil be- 
fall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 


“For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep 
thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their 
hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone,” ete. 


After prayer, and other things had been arranged, they 
went to church, the doctor going earlier than his guests. 

Let us follow them to church. As William and his fam- 
ily entered‘ the choir began to sing the song: 


This is the day of God! 

I am alone upon the mead: 

Only one morning bell doth ring ;- 
Peace! be still, far and near— 

My prayer to God I bring! 
O, holy fear, thy secret presence, 

As if many thousand unseen 
Were praying here with me:— 

This is the day of God! 





THE SCHOOLMASTER. 15 


After another choral had been sung,—and strange to 
say, the same one which the teacher’s wife had dreamed,-—a 
chapter was read, prayer offered, and the doctor mounted the 
pulpit. 

The assembly waited in profound silence for the an- 
nouncement of the text, which the doctor read with a full- 
sounding voice, and strange to say, the same which the 
teacher’s wife had dreamed of. “Our text we take from the 
Revelation of John, in the 21st chapter, and the 4th verse,’ 
said the preacher, 


In his introduction he remarked that, as God will wipe 
away the tears of the blessed, it is understood, that they shall. 
weep until that time; and that it is worthy of notice, as God 
is unchangeable, He is already wiping away tears. He then 
‘remarked, “the love of God keeps back the tears of the 
blest,’ and ended by saying: “Hach and every one should be 
careful and see that they belong to the blessed.” The ser- 
mon was a masterpiece of rhetoric and explanation; but it 
was not the work of Dr. Adolphus, as subsequently appeared, 
but a translation of an English sermon by C. H. Spurgeon. 


Our doctor evidently knew how to make other men’s 
works his own. Nevertheless it made a good impression up- 
on the assembly, and if the devil was on the pulpit, no one 
saw him. Many tears were shed that day, hoping that these 
also will be wiped away in heaven. After service our guests 
went to their room; arriving there, William remarked, 
“Julia, were you also crying ?” 


“Yes,” she answered, “mostly because that talented man 
is a hypocrite, and if he does not repent, my dream will sure- 
ly be true, and he will fall a prey to the devil.” 


“It was strange,” said William, “that the song, and also 
the text were the same as you dreamed.” 





16 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“Papa, grandmama was right then, that that which one 
dreams the first night at a strange place comes true,” the 
youngest child cried out. 

In the afternoon William, in company with Dr. Adol- 
phus, visited several sick members of the church. While 
going from one place to the other, the doctor remarked that 
“he hoped in future to have an assistant, who wouid help 
him in his work, as he had other work to do.”” William con- 
sented. After supper they assembled in church. William 
was introduced and gave an address, and. after being wel- 
comed by the elders of the church, went home. 











THE SCHOOLMASTER. 17 


3. THE FIRST DAY IN CHARGE. 


The next morning William was installed. Two co- 
workers, Mr. Nelke, the principal, and also organist and Jeader 
of the choir, and Mr. Habicht, instructor of drawing and of 
penmanship, welcomed the new teacher. William had charge 
the elementary classes, and in the higher grades he taught 
Bible history. The first day passed away quickly, and after 
4 o'clock William was called for by Dr. Adolphus to make a 
visit to a sick lady’s house. Let us follow them. They went 
toward Liberty Street, on the West Side, and arriving at the 
place, an old gloomy looking house, the doctor rang the door 
bell. After entering they ascended a narrow stair, and were 
shown into a small room in the back part of the building. 
A beautiful woman, although pale, was lying on the bed- 
Her head was covered with black hair, which was hanging 
loosely about her; upon her cheeks ared flush was seen, such 
as is only visible on sick people. 

Near the bed stood a cradle, and in it was a child, fast 
asleep. 

“How do you feel to-day, Mrs. vy, Wendel?” asked the 
doctor. 

“Tolerable,” was the answer. . 

“This is our new teacher, a fellow-countryman of yours, 
who comes from northern Germany.” 

“The lady stretched forth her hand, saying: “Welcome, 
to the far West of America. I suppose you also had your 
trialsas I bad. I left my country to seek my fortune in 
America, but it was not the will of God. I hope you will 
not have to suffer as I did.” 

These mysterious words were spoken in short sentences. 


Dr. Adolphus was looking seriously upon the woman. 


He spoke a few words of consolation to her, then all knelt, 
9 


— 


18 ‘CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


and the doctor prayed with well selected words for the wel- 
fare of the sick. 

After preparing to depart, the lady said to William, 
“Please stay a little longer; I would like to hear something 
of your home,—your birth-place,—from our home. Doctor, 
he can stay, can he not?” 

“Yes,” said Dr. Adolphus; “stay, Brother William; i 
‘will excuse you, supper will be ready at six. ‘Till then 
-you have an hour and a half.” 

“Mrs. Orlin, my friend, who has seen you the first even- 
‘ing, told me about you and your family; therefore, I am 
more pleased to meet you.” In this manner Mrs. v, Wendel 
‘started the conversation when they were left alone. 

“Dear lady, you are sick and should not disturb your- 
Self; you need rest.” 

“Yes, rest. I think that I will soon go to rest, and then 
my unfortunate life will be ended.” 

“I do not understand. Was your life an unfortunate 
one ?” 

“Listen, I will tell you, as though you were our pastor; 
for I have no faith in Dr. Adolphus, although I am a mem- 
ber of his church. I do not feel comfortable whenever he is 
present.” 

“But Lam a stranger to you. Nevertheless, if you wish 
‘to entrust me with your secret, be assured [ can keep still.” 

“You will say nothing until Iam dead, then, after all is 
“over, you may speak. At any rate, let my parents know 
how much. I have suffered for my mistake. 

“T was born in Schleswig-Holstein; my parents reside 
near Cappel, on the highway which leads to Arnis. My 
parents were well-to-do; and I being the youngest of ten 
children, received a good education, and all my desires were 
granted. AsI was about to leave school, being then sixteen 
years of age, [happened to meet the man who is now my 








THE SCHOOLMASTER. 19 


husband. He was an officer in the army. My parents hear- 
ing of my intentions of marrying the young man, made in- 
quiries concerning him, and finding out that he was very 
careless, and leading a wicked life, and, worst of all, that he 
was a gumbler, would never give their consent. 


“T was sent to my aunt at Flensburg, in order to be 
cured of my folly. However, they did not succeed. My 
husband asked for his dismissal from the army, which was 
granted. Selling everything he had, he came and lived near 
the place where I was staying. The passion, which we 
called love, brought us nearer to each other; and knowing 
that my parents would not give their consent, we came to 
America, and having a relative living in Chicago, we went 
there. 


“Mrs. Orlin welcomed us. I was married to Mr. Wen- 
del, and he being a talented man, we could have easily saved 
up a snug little fortune, but his love and passion for gam- 
bling soon put an end to our, saving. He might have been 
cured of his habits, had it not been for Mr. Orlin, for he was 
as bad as my husband. 


“Shortly after our marriage my husband tried to lead a 
better life; but all in vain, he fell and ruined us. I scarcely 
saw him, and whenever he was at home, he was so rough and 
mean to me, although he never abused me. Sometimes he 
gives me money, which I suppose he won, but I never was 
in need of anything. About eight weeks ago we were blest 
with our first child, a little girl. At that time he waited on 
me patiently, and tried to get work, but no one wanted him. 
Again he fell back into his pleasures,—but our ruin, What 
will become of us, I do not know. One thing I fear, that is 
that my husband will do harm to himself and end his life. 
My days are numbered, and my child will be taken care of 
by Mrs, Orlin, and after it is large she will send it to my 


20 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


parents. O that it may never have to suffer the curse which 
rests on me.” 

Being exhaused, she rested. 

“Was not your father’s name Hans Peter Hansen,” asked 
William. 

“Yes, that’s his name; did you know him?” 

“Yes, I made his acquaintance at the house of Hans 
Bendel at Cappen. My father was born in Arnis.” 

“Hans Bendel!” cried the woman; “he also asked me 
for my hand. He was a nice, good, honest young man; my 
parents would have given their consent to this marriage. It 
is only too true what Sirach says: ‘The father’s blessing 
builds the children’s houses; the curse of the mother de- 
stroys them.’ Mother, mother, if you knew bow your poor 
child is suffering, you would have mercy !” 

“Have you never written to your parents!” asked Wil- 
liam. 

“O, yes; they have pardoned us, have also sent us pres- 
ents, but they do not know my present condition. ° 

“Should I write to them ?” 

“After I am gone, yes, but not now.” 

At this moment they were interrupted, as the maid-ser- 
vant entered with a plate of soup. William took his hat and 
bade them good night, and wished her a speedy recovery. 

After supper Dr. Adolphus was called for, and William 
was asked to go along with him. Stepping out on the side- 
walk, the man who called for Dr. Adolphus. asked : “Which 
way ?” 

“Fm,” said the doctor, “I think we'll take a look at 
State street. The teacher has seen the city by day, and I 
think he will enjoy it by night.” 

“IT think I can find out now why the wife of the doctor 
was weeping,” thought William. Arriving on State street, 
they entered a large building, well illuminated. They went 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 21 


into a room in the back part of the house, where they found 
several young ladies, and those that were at the prayer- 
meeting on the Sunday before. “Hello, Doctor,’ cried one 
of them; “that’s good that you came. Everything has its 
time,—to be good and to have fun.” ; 

Mr. Wendel, in company with Mr. Orlin, stepped for- 
ward; the first, a large, well-built, robust man, having mili- 
tary manuers, was introduced as Lieutenant v. Wendel, the 
husband of the poor sick lady. The latter; although an 
American, Mr. Orlin by name, spoke the German language 
very well. He was a busy lawyer. 

“Bring wine, wine. It must be from the. German 
Rhine,” shouted the honorable Dr. Adolphus. 


“Wine?” exclaimed William, who was not feeling him- 
self at home. And turning to the doctor, he said, “In New 
Jersey you were a Prohibitionist, and now you ask for wine. 
Do you not remember that you preached ‘one must cut down 
all the apple trees, because wine is made from its fruit ?” 

“Yes, my friend; but we are now living in a different 
climate, amongst a new generation. Everything is changed ; 
we must be all for all.” 

“I think you misunderstand that expression of St. 
Paul——” 

“Drop those theological conversations,’ said Mr. Blu- 
menthal, “and let us drink to the health of our new school- 
master. 

“Prosit !” 

William would much rather have taken his hat and left, 
but he said A, and he had to say B. After an hour had been 
spent in all kind of talk, and now and then a piano solo giv- 
en by one of the ladies present, one by one began to leave. 
William asked them to stop, but no one was pleased with the 
thought. 


22 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“Stay,” said Mr. von Wendel; “don’t spoil the game, we 
must first have a game of ‘Meine Tante, deine Tante, (my 
aunt, your aunt).” | : 

The party went through a secret door, up a stairway. 
They entered a well-illuminated room in the middle of the 
building. A large table was in the room, around which men 
and women were standing. Behind the table a man was 
Seated, who was dealing out cards to the right and left of 
him. William’s heart was beating very fast. He drew him- 
self back into the corner where the buffet was standing, and 
leaned against the wall, so that he could see the faces of the 
players. -Money passed from one to the other. The doctor 
was also playing, but Mr. Wendel played more passionately 
than the rest. He was in luck, constantly winning: but the 
leaf turned, and in a short time the last bill was gone: He 
rose from his seat, and reaching into his pocket and taking 
something out, he raised his hand to his temple, and—a shot 
echoed through the room; and the poor man fell dead to the 
ground. The lights were quickly extinguished; and the 
dead man carried into another room. 

A carriage was sent for, and the dead man-taken to his 
home. 

They carried him into the room, in which Mrs. Wendel 
lay sick; who, seeing her dead husband, fell back into her 
pillow with a cry of horror. Mrs. Orlin ran to the bed, but 
too late, Mrs. Wendel had given up her spirit. 

Presently Mrs. Orlin said to William, “You have gotten 
into a fine company, my dear friend. Mrs. Wendel has chos- 
en the best part; and her husband has his punishment, and 
you, my dear child, are mine!’ She took the child in her 
arms, wrapped it up in a pillow, and was about to leave the 
room. 

“It is impossible to leave the corpses here without watch- 
ing them,” said William, 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 23. 


“You are right ; you may go, I'll stay.” 

“T will only tell my people not.to be worried about me, 
and then I'll come again.” 

It was midnight whea William was on his way home. 
However, he happened to overtake the whole company, and 
as they were going to the house, he returned. The men 
agreed to stay all night, so Mrs. Orlin left the house of mis- 
ery to go to her own happy home. 


The Doctor's and William’s wives were waiting for 
them. 

William having ar rived home, told them the whole story, 
and a short time after they retired. 

The doctor arrived towards morning. William opened 
the door for him, 

“Before I go to sleep,” said the Doctor, “I have some-~ 
thing to say to you.” 

“Am anxious to know.” 

“You have not told the ladies of this misfortune? I had 
no time to forbid you to do so, as all was too unexpected.” 

“Forbid? How shall I understand that? I think Iam 
old enough to take care of myself and attend to my own 
business. Yes, I told the ladies.” 

“Do you know that you ran the risk of losing your situ- 
ation in doing so?” 

“If I can only keep my place by lying and scheming, it 
would be better for me to go back to New Jersey, in order 
that there every one may also find out what has become of 
our great temperance preacher.” 

“Well, let’s talk sense. ‘The women will say nothing; 
for no one shall and dare not find out the true state of affairs. 
It will be published, and if you and the rest say nothing, no. 
one will be compromised. You will keep still?” 

William promised to say nothing, and the women ‘ins 


24 CHICAGO IN ‘TEARS AND SMILES. 


The next morning the following item appeared in the pa- 
pers: 

“Last night a terrible tragedy occurred on Liberty 
Street. A young lady, Von Wendel by name; died with 
nervous fever. Her husband, a German officer, who dearly 
loved his wife, becoming insane through her death, shot him- 
self. One child is left, which was adopted by Mrs. Orlin, 
the wife of Lawyer Orlin.” 





THE SCHOOLMASTER. 25 


4 THE FUNERAL. 


This sad tragedy was the subject of general conversa- 
tion in the city. However, no one but those interested knew 
the truth; the rest believed the report of the newspapers. 


Wednesday afternoon this unfortunate couple were bur- 
ried from the Union Church. Shortly after one o'clock the 
people came, and at two o'clock the funeral procession ar- 
rived. Dr. Adolphus entered first, after him the two corpses. 
The coffins were covered with flowers, and after these were 
placed in order, and everything quiet, the choir sang the 
prayer from the “Freischuetz” : i 

Softly, sweetly, holy measure, 
Swing to the heavenly region! 
Songs responded, 

Solemnly my 

Prayer to heaven resounded. 


To Thee, my heart, O God, is turned 
Lord, without beginning and end! 
To preserve us 

From all danger, 

Lead us, our Lord, and God, Jesus. 


After the song, the doctor read the 90th Psalm; there- 
upon the congregation sang: 


Farewell! Farewell! s 
We meet no more on this side of heav’n; 
_ The parting scene is o’er, 
The last sad look is giv’n, 
Farewell! Farewell! 


Farewell! My stricken heart 
To Jesus flies ; 

From Him I'll never part, 
On Him my hope relies. 


- 


26 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


Farewell! And shall we meet 
In heaven above ? 

And there in union sweet, 
Sing of a Saviour’s love ? 

Hereupon the Doctor mounted the pulpit; his text was: 
“Love never ends.” 1 Cor. 13: 8. With well selected words 
the Doctor told them the history of the departed ones: 

“Far from here, in Schleswig-Holstein, near the shore 
of the Baltic sea, was the birthplace of our departed friends. 
Mr. Wendel was the only sou of an old, honorable knightly 
family. Mrs. Wendel the youngest of a wealthy family. 
Our friend went to war at the time his country threw off the 
Danish yoke, Patriotism made him go to the army, for, 

“When all preach: Man be great and free, 
He chooses death instead of slavery.’ 

“However, this love changed, and if not changed it was 
put aside when he for the first time looked into the beautiful 
eyes of his wife, who is now resting beside him. The life 
of this happy pair at first was like a running brook, with 
flowers on both its shores, for the love of the parents to these 
children was great. They loved each other with a true love. 

“However, the life of his wife was not so beautiful as 
his, for her parents thought she had not found a suitable 
partner, and so her path was not strewn with roses, but with 
thorns. 

“They both left home, to live together. They loved 
each other with the love that nevcr ends. And when the 
storm of life came over them they proved their love, for both 
fought for their lives. Oh, how much more did they love 
each other after they were blest with a beautiful child, but 
the life of the child cost the life of the mother. 

“Full of hope of finding work for his dear ones at home, 
he left the house early in the morning, leaving his sick wife 
in the care of a good servant; but what was his surprise, 


THE SCHOOLMASTER, 2¢ 


when he returned in the evening, to find his wife dead. The 
griet of the husband is covered with a dark curtain; the 
only thing known is that the servant came into the hall, she 
found both dead. Love never ends. Love is stronger than 
death. Without his wife life was of no use to him, and he 
therefore cast it away. Who will condemn him? Death 
has not separated our departed ones, for the7 shall arise at 
the resurrection of the dead.” 

After the doctor ended his sermon, the people crowded 
toward the front, in order to get the last look at the unhappy 
couple. 

During the sermon of Doctor Adolphus, William thought 
of their parents, who he knew would be heart-broken, it they 
received the message. 

The words of the doctor: “The blessing of the parents 
build the children’s houses, but they did not wish houses, 
thep wanted to live for love ;” aggravated him most. Here 
is where the fifth commandment fulfilled itself: “If thou 
wilt love and honor thy parents, thou shalt be blest on earth, 
which thy God has given thee.” However, William said 
nothing, but stepped up to the altar to look at the sleeping 
pair, looking so young and beautiful. 

The procession started to the churchyard, Graceland,” 
and the bodies were lowered into their graves, the doctor 
reading the first seven verses from the 2lst chapter of the 
Revelation of St. John: 

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first 
heaven and the first earth were passed away ; and there was 
no more sea. 

“And I, John, saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, com- 
ing down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her 
husband. 

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Be- 
hold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell 


28 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself 
shall be with them, and be their God. 

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor cry- 
ing, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former 
things are passed away. 

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Bebold, I made 
all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these 
words are true and faithful. 

“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and 
Omega, the beginning and the end. I witl give unto him 
that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will 
be his God, and he shall be my son.” : 

After reading this beautiful passage, he said, “The earth 
upon which we live, shall be that new heaven and new 
earth; and it shall be given to all the holy ones. And as 
the love of these, our friends, was so passionate, they shall 
‘love each other still more in that beautiful place of abode.” 

Yes, yes; the doctor understood enough to tell the peo- 
ple what they like to hear. 

At the close, the choir sang: 


“How they rest, 

All the blest, 

Who bravely fought the battle of life; 

How they rest, 

In the grave, % 

Till the banner of Christ o’er them shall wave. 


“When we rest, 

As the biest, 

And have fought the battle of life, 
Then wilt thou, 

Redeemer, 

Call us from our grave te Thy jubilee.” 


- 


oe After the flowers were placed ‘above them, a 
broke two switches off a weeping willow and phanted them 
at the head of the graves.—Both cate and became beautiful 


trees. 





30 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILEs. 


5. MRS. ORLIN. 


On leaving the place, the three took a carriage and drove 
toward the home of Mr. Orlin. William was invited to stay 
for supper. Which he did. The little babe of the departed 
friends lay on a bed fast asleep. 


“Poor child! you do not know that you are an orphan, 
but the Lord said: ‘I will not leave you orphans; I am com- 
ing to you.’ May He take care of you, and strew your path 
with roses.” 


_ The words were murmured by our teacher William, 
after Mrs. Orlin had left the room to prepare supper, and 
Mr. Orlin had seated himself, evidently deep in thought. 
Presently the child began to stir, and William commenced to 
rock the cradle, unconsciously singing as he did so: 


“Never again will the roses blow 

For us as the roses we used to know. 
Oh! never again will the wide sky hold 
Such wealth of glory and sunset gold; 
‘And never again will I whisper, dear, 
The pleasant fancies you smiled to hear; 


And never again, at the day’s decline, 
Shall I sit with your little hand in mine, 


And look at the beauty of sunset skies 

And the sweeter beauty of your sweet eyes. 
Never again! for the dream is done 

That a word, and a look, and a touch began. 


For us, there is nothing but memory, 
In the coming days, of what could net be!” 


After he ended the song, the child opened its eyes, and 
looked about. William took the little one in his arms and 
carried it about in the room. When Mrs. Orlin entered, he 
said to her, “Here, mother; here is your child.” 








rw eo, 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. ot 


_ “My child! Yes, it shall be my child,—a substitute for — 
my only daughter that £ lost. Orlin, look, this is our child 
now,’ she said, and she came towards her husband. He 
looked up at her as if to say, “I do not understand you,” and — 
rising from his seat walked into the adjoining room, where a 
supper has been prepared. After prayer, Mrs. Orlin told the 
story of her life. “The song you sang before,” she said, “re- 
minded me of my young days. I never knew my mother, 
just as this child. My grandmama took me into her care, 
My father, who was a rich merenant, soon married again, 
and he never paid any attention to me at all. He paid my 
school fees and gave me money for other purposes, but all of 
it was money which I inherited from my mother. I never 
knew what it was to love father or mother, and the name 
mother has never come over my lips; but I loved my grand- 
mother the more, Grandma lived on the farm, and I was 
raised and brought up in the country. My playmates were 
the lambs and the sheep of my grandy, and the good old 
shepherd. I grew up as the lily of the field. When old 
enough to go to school, I was taken to the pastor, whom I 
learned to love and esteem. 

“The pastor only spoke earnestly to me during instruc- 
tion, and as I was a diligent scholar, the hours were short- 
ened, as the minister thought best. Oh, it’s only too true, 
what you were singing: 

“ ‘For us there is nothing but memory, 
In the coming days, of what could not be!’ 


“Oh, how I have found out the truth of these words. At 
the age of sixteen my grandmother died. I came home; but 
what would a wild flower do among sweet cultivated ones ? 

“My father was in the store all day long. Only at meal 
times did I get a chance to see him. My stepmother always 
found fault, and whenever I saw my stepsisters, three in all, 


32 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


and told them of good old grandy, the lambs, the shepherd, 
and my good old pastor, they only mocked me; so I was 
glad and happy whenever I was alone. 

“At last I made up my mind to go to America, and being 
eighteen years of age, I told my father of my intention. He 
gave his consent, and also gave one thousand dollars. I re- 
ceived no blessing, nor a kiss, at my departure. It was very 
hard for me to leave the place which once belonged to my 
grandmother. I first comprehended what Schiller said: 

‘Farewell, ye mountains, 


Ye beloved valleys, 
Ye lovely dales, farewell! farewell!’ 


“My old friend, the shepherd, cried like a child, and 
said: ‘Gehn sie doch nih no Amerikoa, Froelen, do sullt de 
Minschen keen Hart hewen !’ that is, ‘Do not go to America; 
the people yonder have no heart.—Had my people at home 
a heart? I asked myself. Oh, yes, if all the people were as 
this old shepherd, or the good old pastor, it would have been 
different. 

“When I departed from the pastor, I had to kneel down, 
and he blessed me, saying: ‘Go, my daughter; but always 
keep God in eyes and heart, and yield not to temptation, and 
the blessing of God, which is above all human understand- 
ing, lead you and guide your footsteps.’ 


“T came to America with good intentions, and having a 
strong will, and ambition to rise in this world, I settled down 
in Chicago, and gave German lessons to the children of a 
German family. At this house I made acquaintance with 
my husband, whom I learned tolove. We were blessed with 
a little girl, but it died when eight weeks old. We are now 
married for ten years—but enough.” 


William listened attentively, and Mrs. Orlin, having 
ended, her husband arose and took hold of her, saying : “You 


/ ‘ 
THE SCHOOLMASTER. 33 


were not happy during these ten years. I know it, and I 
am to blame. The love for my own pleasures spoiled your 
happiness; but it is not too late yet. I promise you, that I 
will leave off drinking and playing, and work for you and 
for the child of our unhappy friend. May God help me.” 


“QO Orlin, you have often promised. Keep your word 
this time, and you will restore happiness. My love for you 
is always the same.” 


For eight days Mr. Orlin kept his promise, and then it 
was the same old story. His wife .said nothing, but at last, 
after the small sum of money was used up, they began to 
want, as her husband spent the money he earned in gam- 
bling and drinking. She changed ber last dollar, her courage 
gave way. 

It was evening, and Mrs. Orlin was seated by the ecra- 
dle, the child being fast asleep.” ‘She once rested like this: 
child, when young, but how is it now? Oh, it is only too 
true: 


“For us there is nothing but memory, 
In the coming days, of what could not bee!’’ 


“If I could only see a way out of this misery,” she 
thought. “To die—if the Lord would only take me home, 
as He called my friend.” 


Thinking of her misery, the door opened and her hus- 
band entered. 

“Have you prepared supper?” he asked, in a grumbling 
manner. 

No,” she answered, “I have no money.’ Tears came 
into the poor woman’s eyes. 


“Here is some money,” he said, throwing a dollar on 


the table. “Sit down; we’ll soon have something prepared.” 
3 4 


34 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


Supper was soon ready, when Mrs. Orlin said to her 
her husband: “Orlin, you promised me in the presence of 
the teacher, that you would neither drink nor play.” 

“T know it.” 

“Oh, why have you again broken your promise? Stay 
at home this evening; bea man; don’t let your passion con- 
trol you, but control it. Orlin, I pray you for sweet love's 
sake, stay at home, let us be happy.” 


“T can’t;” he said, and left the room. 


When alone she sat by the cradle. The child was still 
sleeping; it knew nothing yet of lite’s sorrows and troubles. 
After a short time she arose, wrapping a shawl around her, 
ane putting on her hat, she quietly left the room. 


It was dark, and the rain was falling fast; the gas lights 
could scarcely be seen. Walking along she picked up stones 
and tied them up in her handkerchief. Wéaat was she going 
to do with the stones? The streets were quiet; arriving at 
Randolph street bridge, she looked around to see if any one 
was watching her; then she looked down into the dark wa- 
ter, which was tempting her. 

“Come!” said the water. 


She was about to plunge into it, but an unknown power 
held her back. 

Her thoughts carried her to the happy days, when 
she played with the lambs at her grandy’s. She could see 
the face of the old shepherd, and all the happy hours spend 
with her pastor passed before her. 


“Come, come!” the water said again. 

What was that? She heard a voice like that of her 
good old pastor, which said : “Always keep God in heart and 
mind.” 

Had she done so? 

No. 


. 
THE SCHOOLMASTER. 35 


“Come, come!” whispered the water, 

She stooped forward and looked down, then she threw 
the stones which she gathered in the street into the water. 
She hastened to the west side of the city. 

* ¥ * x * - * 

During this time, things went on in their usual way in 
the playhouse. I ask the reader to follow me. 

All were present, except the dead Lieutenant, and teach- 
er William, who never entered the house again. The banker 
had his old place, and dealt cards; the money passed from 
one to the other. 

Orlin was lucky; he was just about to bet all of his 
money, when a noise was heard on the outside. The cards 
were quickly put away, and in an instant Mrs. Orlin opened 
the door, and giving Dr. Adolphus, who was standing by the 
_ door, a good push. 

“Orlin, Come home!” she cried, frightening all present. 

“Yes, my dear; J will,’ was the answer; and taking his 
bat he followed his wife. 





o 


36 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


6. MR. ORLIN. 


“Yes, my dear; I will!” Mr. Orlin had answered, after 
his wife called him home. Arriving there, Mrs. Orlin hast- 
ened to the room in which the little child was sleeping, all 
unconscious that her guardian was about to take her life. 
She looked at the little child. How beautiful! So fair, and 
such rosy cheeks. Tears came into her eyes; they were 
tears of repentance. ‘“O Heavenly Father,” she cried, “how 
could I ever have thought of doing such a thing! I must 
live for you, my dear child, my little baby.” And falling 
upon her knees, she hid her face in the bed-clothes. 

A touch of her husband’s hand scared her out of her 
thoughts, and looking up into his troubled me, she asked: 
“What is the matter, Orlin ?” 

“My dear, you must help me; my whole body is sur- 
‘rounded with snakes. O, how they hiss and crawl from 
head to foot. My dear, help me.” 

Soon he began again: “Help, help, help! Snakes! 
snakes! snakes! Fire! fire! fire! .Help! help!” 

The child awoke and began to cry. The poor woman 
did not know what to do. softs 

Her husband ran iuto the kitchen, and seizing a knife, 
he soon returned, crying out: “Help! help! help! We 
must kill the snakes !”’ 

He was about to thrust the knife into his breast, but his 
wife held his arm. Freeing himself from her hold, he ran 
down stairs into the parlor, and breaking a window, threw 
the knife into the street. Taking a piece of glass he opened 
a blood-vessel, and shorily afterwards was found rolling 
around in his blood. 

The breaking of the window and other noises attracted 
the attention of the people, and a policeman soon arrived 


. THE SCHOOLMASTER., 37 


and entered the house. After learning the cause, he sent for 
the doctor. _ 

The doctor soon arrived, and on examining Mr. Orlin, 
he declared that it was “delirium tremens” (whiskey fits), 
and that if nothing else ensued, he would be over it in a few 
days. 

They put Mr. Orlin to bed, who was much weakened 
through loss of blood. His wound was cleaned and band- 
aged, and then Mrs. Orlin asked the policeman to please call 
teacher William, who lives on Maxwell street. 

We must first take the reader to the house of the 
teacher. ‘ 

It was a neat little place, having three rooms. A room 
14x12 was all in all,—parlor, dining-room, sitting-room, 
kitchen, study, and sanctuary. The windows were shaded 
with handsome curtains, which reached to the floor, upon 
which landscapes had been painted. They were presented 
to William by his brother, an artist. 

It was about one o’clock in the morning, and his wife 
and children were in bed, fast asleep, but he was up and 
writing. Several pages were scattered around on the floor, 
showing that, his work was not to his liking. After ending, 
he took, up the paper and read: 

_ THE CHRISTIAN’S PRAISE. 
Dare, no one, to mock the Christian, 
Christianity upholds the world! 
Onward and upward is ever his aim 
Till his body rests in the grave. 
The world and the devil may tempt him, 
He stands as a rock in the sea, 


And if the waves rise mountain high, 
He stands firm: his hope is in Thee. 


Dare, no one, to mock the Christian ! 
With longing and love he is inflamed, 
For peace and for heavenly atonement 


38 


CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


His happy heart is ever aimed. 

When sorrows his peaceful heart oppress, 
He prays to God in his distress, 

Sings joyful songs to praise his Lord 
Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness. 


When sorrow has darkened your brow, 


And your soul is in great distress 

And Orkus destroyed your happiness, 

Also your holy blessedness : 

Then learn from the Christians to disclaim, 
Learn to hope for an higher gain, 

Learn to suffer and bear calmly, 

Learn to lead your path heavenward. 


When vengeance thy temper doth deceive, 
Cause enmity darkened your life,— 

Then leatn from the Christian to contrive, 

What happiness can bring anew; 

With love, he forgives his enemy; 

He blesses— What else can he do? 

That here his enemy may become his true friend 
Before death put life to an end. 


Tis given to the Christian in life, 

To conquer the devil by love ; 

Before heedestroys through frosts in the world 
The friends that God hath us given. 

To command this passion which in the heart 
Brings nothing but condemnation ; 

He covers us lovingly with love 

Beyond all our expectation. 


Dare, no one, to mock the Christian ! 
In his heart he carries the world, 

Is royal to the noble, good, and just. 
*Till his body falleth to dust. 

Then the angels will carry him o’er 

To the Father of hea’en and earth, 

His singing we can hear here no more— 
But yonder in the Father’s presence. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 39 


Having finished reading, some one knocked at the door. 
William opened a window, and looking out, he asked the 
cause of the knocking. 

“Are you the teacher William?” asked the policeman. 

“Yes,” was the answer. 

“Mrs. Orlin wishes you to come at once: her husband 
is very ill.” 

“T’ll be there soon.” 

The policeman went his way to the place where these 
fearful scenes had occurred. 

William awoke his wife and told her that Mrs. Orlin had , 
sent for him, as her husband was very ill. 

“T will go with you,” she said; and suiting the action 
to the word, she jumped out of bed and was soon ready to 
accompany her husband. They soon arrived at the house 
of Mrs. Orlin. She was sitting beside the bed in which her 
husband was lying. 

Mr. Orlin was very restless, and sometimes he would 
cry out that snakes were troubling him. 

“IT was very sorry to disturb you,” said Mrs. Orlin, “but. . 
to whom could I go?” She then told the story, which we 
have described, and asked her friends not to leave her in her 
trouble. 

“We shall do as much as is in our power,” they an- 
swered; “but what can we do!” 

“First, I would like you to help me arrange all of my 
things. I do not know how long my husband will be sick, 
but I do know that his doctor’s bill will amount to a great 
deal. Our money-is all gone. Of all the things I have, 
that are worth anything, is this coral necklace, the last re- 
membrance of my mother. My grandmother gave it to me, 
and told me, that I should never part with it, and if I had 
any children, to leave it to them. But I must part with it 


40 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


to save the life of my husband. I hope it will be for the 
better, and that he will recover in body and soul.” 

She gave the necklace to the teacher, saying: “I hope 
you will dispose of it during the day.” 

“T will put it into a pawn-broker shop,’ William said, 
“so that you can get possession of it again.”’ 

William went home to take a rest, for he had to attend 
his school in the morning. Eis wife remained the rest of the 
night, taking care of the baby. 

The next morning before school opened, and having told 
Dr. Adolphus of what had happened, William took the neck- 
lace to dispose of it. He took it to a pawn-broker, who 
offered him fifty dollars for it, under the condition that he 
would sign a note amounting to sixty dollars, payable in 
three months, which he did, and took the money to Mrs. Or- 
lin. When he arrived at the house, he found Dr. Adolphus 
there, who was getting a lecture about his bad conduct, and 
at the conclusion was told never to enter the house again. 

“Very well,” he said; “let us leave, Brother William.” 

“Oh,” said William, “I do not think Mrs. Orlin has re- 
quested me to leave the house; and another thing, I ask you 
not to call me brother again, for St. Paul said, ‘Be not every 
one’s brother.’ ” 

The doctor left the house. Mrs. Orlin and William en- 
tered the room in which the sick man lay. He opened his 
eyes and looked around in the room, and noticing William, 
he stretched out his hand and asked, “Where am I? What 
a strange dream I had. Sit down and tell me what has hap- 
pened to me.” 

William told him all, and added that the last treasure 
of his wife was at the pawnshop. 

“QO, Orlin, how low you have fallen,’ Mr. Orlin cried 
out. 


. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. ‘ 41 


“But,” said William, “if a man has fallen he should not 
fall deeper, nor should he stay lying where he has thrown 
himself, but with the aid of God should again become a man. 
‘Out of the dust to the throne,’ as David said.” 

“Let me be alone,” he begged, after a short time. 

“Come,” said William, “God wants to speak to him.” 

And God did speak to him. 

Mr. Orlin was the youngest son of a planter in the State 
of Louisiana. His father was also a slave dealer, and owned 
a vast estate, but he lost it all during the war. He was then 
given into the care of a nurse, a negro, Eva by name, of 
whom Mr. Orlin was very fond, and she of him. We will 
learn more of her in the course of our story. 

While Mr. Orlin was lying on his bed, the loving God 
showed him all His way through which He had led him, and also 
those ways which he had traveled without bis God. He ledhim 
back to his childhood’s days, in the house of his parents; he 
saw how the poor slaves were driven to work, and the cabins 
in which they lived. He was a strange boy, he would not play 
with his brothers or sisters, but with the negro children; for 
he knew that it was wrong to treat them so. One day he 
saw how an overseer was punishing one of the slaves. He 
looked on, but after the punishment he took the whip from 
the overseer and struck him in the face with it. For this 
deed he was punished, and lost the love of his father. His 
mother, who was living for pleasure and enjoyment, cared 
little or nothing for him, and the only person that loved 
him was Eva. 

She watched over him, took care of him, taught him to 
pray, to love and honor his parents, but she could not teach 
him that the negroes were born to be slaves. 

At the age of fifteen he was sent to High school at N ew 
Orleans. His departure would not have been so hard for 
him had it not been for Eva. The advice of his mother was, 


42 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“That he should always remember that he was of a noble 
tribe, and he should think himself above others.” 

All of this he listened to, but it went in one ear and out 
of the other. “You can talk a long while before I mind such 
advice,” he said. 

He was very diligent at school, devoting the most of his 
time to the living languages, for acquiring which he had an 
excellent talent. When eighteer, the Southern Rebellion 
broke out, on account of which all the schools were closed. 
He went back to his home, and had scarcely arrived when 
he saw that things had changed considerably; the slaves 
now had to be driven to work. 

One evening, while alone in his room, a knock came to, 
the door, and opening it, Eva entered. 

“Q, my Orlin,” she cried, “you must get away, for these 
niggers are going to kill you, an’ I’ve run away secretly to 
tell you.” 

“I thank you, Eva,” he said; “I shall tell my parents of 
it, and will always remember your faithfulness.” 

Eva left the house, while Mr. Orlin told his parents. 

The overseers were called and armed, the doors latched, 
and every possible means taken for their safety. 

At midnight, the warehouses, in wdich the cotton was. 
stored, were set on fire; and, as though the devil with all 
hell broke loose, the Negroes yelled and danced around it. 
One of them took up a fire-brand and ran toward the 
residence to set it on, fire, but a well-aimed shot put an end 
to his undertaking. 

These poor people had suffered every outrage, but now, 
like wild animals, they came rushing toward the house, the 
noise making the air resound, shortly after they had 
finished their treacherous work. Mr. Orlin went out and 
commanded them to stop, and in a minute they were quiet. 
Then he told them of his fidelity, how he loved them, how 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. = 43 


he and their children played together when young, and he 
hoped they would appreciate this love. 

Several of the slayes came to him and said, “If your 
people were as kind as you, we would not have made such 
an uproar.” 

He told them to go back to their cabins, and promised 
them liberty if they obeyed him, which they did, and all re- 
turned to their cabins. His parents, brothers and sisters, as 
well as the overseers, took the opportunity and fied during 
Orlin’s talk with the Negroes. Mr. Orlin remained until 
dawn. He then gathered the Negroes around him and told 
them that they were at liberty ! 

But what good does a person’s liberty do him, if he has 
~ not been accustomed to it? Therefore, Mr. Orlin stayed 
with them. They saved as much as they could, and Eva and 
other Negro women had to do the cooking. However, when 
the South declared its independence, Mr. Orlin summoned 
all the strong men and joined the Northern troops. 

After the war was over he wished to see his parents, 
who had sold all their property and moved to New Orleans. 
He found Eva there, whom he later took along to Chicago. 
He made his examination for attorney, and having a good 
situation and earning plenty of money, he began to be ex- 
travagant. He gambled and drank, and when his servant, 
Eva, told him that he was doing wrong, she had to leave the 
house; although he still provided for her. 

Soon after marriage he tried hard to control himself, and 
keep from these bad habits ; but all in vain. 

All these things God showed him; he wept and re- 
pented, and this was a repentance no one ever feels sorry 
for. 

Several days afterward William came to the house, and 
Mr. Orlin told him what he thought of doing; and from that 

day they were the best of friends. 


_ Mr. Orlin’s conversation with William was suddenly in- 

ierrupted, for the door opened and a Negro lady entered. It 

was Eva. She knelt beside the bed and oried, “Orlin, Orlin, 

my dear little Orlin, are you sick ?” sf 

: : Mrs. Orlin lacghed heartily at this scene, and said, “Eva, 
I could be jealous of you, but as you think so much of my | 
~ husband, and took so much care of him n before, you shall re- 
main with us.” 





THE SCHOOLMASTER. 45 


7. THE KETTLE-DRUM HAS A HOLE. 

Mr. Orlin was recovering. He was a different man, in 
the full sense of the word. A new day was dawning. The 
light pierced through and into his heart, and he saw his mis- 
takes; and although his acquaintances tried to bring him in- 
to their company again, it was of no use. Orlin became a 
new man. He left his evil companions and associated with 
the pure and the holy. Every Wednesday, several devoted 
men and women gathered at the house of Mr. Orlin, to read 
and study the Scriptures. Teacher William led the meet- 
ings, and in the course of time more and more gathered. 
The better class ofpeople learned what Doctor Adolphus 
was, and therefore, he was compelled to put an end to his 
Saturday night Bible class. Doctor Adolphus, as well as 
Prof. Nelke; hated William, who was often falsely accused in 
the meetings; especially his teaching of Bible History was 
now and then sharply criticised, and once he was reproved 
for letting some of the new scholars learn the ten command- 
ments. And upon.asking the question: “How can I teach 
religion without teaching the ten commandments?” the noble 
gentlemen could not answer him satisfactorily. He knew 
that his situation as teacher could not be held much longer. 
The third teacher said nothing, and that was the best thing 
he could do. As Dr. Adolphus announced it from the pulpit 
that William would help him in visiting the sick, more came 
to him than to the Doctor, and in this way he soon made the 
acquaintance of the members, and was esteemed and loved 
by all. . 

The members knew that this division would bring wreck 
to the church, for the better class gathered around William, 
and the others followed the Doctor. William knew that he 
had a hard place, and it required great patience and love to 
stay. He did not wish to resign, for the church would be 


46 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


totally wrecked if he did. Dr. Adolphus also knew that the 
ground upon which he was standing was not a firm founda- 
tion. However, he was a skillful rope-walker, and even if 
the ground shook he balanced himself very well. He trusted 
to his own wisdom and skill to get rid of his enemies. “To 
get rid” of William he accused him as having preached the 
Gospel without being ordained; for we know William led the 
Meetings at Mr. Orlin’s. He was ordered.to be at the 
house of the Rev. Doctor to justify himself. 

Before we go into details, the reader must needs make 
the acquaintance of the judges. Seated beside the doctor 
was Prof. Nelke, who also was secretary ; then the two work- 
men, whose acquaintance we have made at the beginning, 
and three other gentlemen, whose acquaintance we will make 
now. A strong, robust, but very nice looking gentleman was 
sitting beside Prof. Nelke, his full-grown beard making him 
appear like a giant Goliath. He had black eyes, and the 
color of his hair was of a chestnut brown; this man was Mr. 
Bock, the inn-keeper. 

The other was a delicate young fellow, who tried to hide 
his sharp eyes with his blue spectacles which he wore. He 
was a tailor by trade, and very much attached to the honor- 
able Doctor, and was his boon companion. His name was 
Mr. Lamb, he was a lamb of the devil. 

Mr. Hahn was the third gentleman, who was very quiet, 
and only spoke whenever he was asked. 

Before William arrived, the men had consulted how it 
would be best to take hold of him. It was such a court as 
that of Pontius Pilate, who had sentenced the Saviour to 
death before he asked Him who and what He was. They 
tried to “get rid” of him in the same manner, his callings 
should only be for show. However, things did not work 
right and no one was to blame but the honorable Doc- 
tor himself. The teacher conquered him, being very 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 47 


calm, and the 46th Psalm had helped him, and the prayer he 
sent up to his Heavenly Father. The words were echoing in 
his heart: “Therefore I do not fear—even if the waters 
should roar and be troubled ; and the mountains shake with 
the swelling thereof.” 


Mr. Bock was chosen chairman of the meeting, and 
opened the same by asking the Doctor to pray. After prayer 
Mr. Bock addressed William, saying: “You are accused by 
Doctor Adolphus of trying to take his place, holding prayer- 
meetings in the houses of the members, and therefore taking 
hold of something which is not your duty. What have you 
to say?” 

“T think,” oan William, “that this is a free country, in 
which everyone can live according to his own principles. IL 
also was asked by Dr. [Adolphus to help him in the great 
work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ev erything would have 
gone along in its regular course, if Dr. Adolphus had not acted 
so ridiculously. Had I not watched and taken care of my- 
self, he would have led me into the same miserable hole into 
which he has fallen; and I say that man is not worthy of 
the position he holds. I i 


“Hush!” the Doctor cried, not knowing what he was 
talking about; “you are a hypocrite, cheat, Jesuit ; you rob 
the hearts of the people; you are a miserable wretch, un- 
worthy to have the sun to shine upon you,—a drunkard, and 
I can’t mention all.” 





While he bestowed all these titles of honor upon Wil- 
liam, he walked up and down the room like a wild animal. 
After all had recovered from their shock (for the Doctor had 
fallen out of his role), William said to the Doctor: “You 
have called me all these beautiful names, and you know that 
Iam a teacher, and as such never take anything without 
proofs. I hope the gentlemen will have so much pride as to 


48 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. . 


do justice, How will you prove that 1 am what you take 
me for.” 
* “Rev. Manhart and Rev. Rundherum said it,’ was the 
answer. 

“Well,” said William, “the gentlemen will permit me to 
go and ane to these ministers and get the proofs, and ap- 
point a time when I can hand them in.’ 


The time was set, Sunday evening after church, anda 
motion was made to adjourn till then. 


William rode to the houses of these ministers, both were 
provoked when they heard what Dr. Adolphus said, and | 
the Rev. Manhart wrote on a piece of paper: “If Doctor 
Adolphus said, I told him that William was any of these 
which the Doctor called him, he is the greatest liar in God’s 
creation.—Pastor Manhart.” Rev. Rundherum said the 
same, and promised, as he had no service, to be present. 


The time came; the Doctor preached from the text, 
Matth. 7: 15, which treats of the false prophets that would 
come, dressed in lamb’s skin, and in their hearts would be 
devouring wolves. He was hinting at the teacher and his 
followers. 

“They got it to day,’ was the remark made by one of 
the ladies who loved the Doctor. 


After the members left the church, they again took hold 
of the case against William. After they were called to or- 
der, William gave the chairman the slip of paper given to 
him by Rey. Manhart. He read it and, with a mocking 
laugh, handed it to Prof. Nelke, who arose, and we thought 
he would read it aloud, but he passed it to his colleagues, so 
each one read it. At last it was hurried over to Doctor Adol- 
phus. He bit hislip,and William was watching him to see what 
would follow. At that moment there was a knock and Rev. 
Rundherum entered, saying, “I was asked by teacher William 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 49 


to come here this evening, to testify that I never said any- 
thing against the teacher.” 


All looked at each other ; noone knew what tosay. At 
last the chairman remarked, “The best thing will be that we 
adjourn, and that we be a little more careful that this never 
occurs again. Minister and teacher should go hand in hand, 
and we must take care that the congregation does not find 
anything out of what has been going on. Let us cover all 
with the mantle of love. You have forgotten yourself in 
your zeal,” he said, turning to the Doctor, “and you, my 
friend,” speaking to the teacher, “should think of the wel- 
fare of the church, and be a friend to the Doctor; for it was 
he that got you your situation. Neither shall leave this 
room until you forgive each other.” 


The Doctor rose from his seat and stretched out his hand. 
William was not very anxious to shake, but suddenly a 
thought entered his mind, and seizing the Doctor’s hand, he — 
said: “Doctor, if I break down the bridge upon which we 
are standing, one will be drowned, and you are the man.” 


William left the meeting. After he was gone, they con- 
sulted how the hole could be patched that was beaten into 
the kettle-drum. They agreed to let the teacher rest at pres- 
ent, and to take up the plan of building a German High 
School, in order to keep the Germans together; and during 
this time William was to look out for another place. If the 
gentlemen bad thought of the Word of God in Isaiah 8: 10: 
“Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak 
the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us;” they 


would not have builded such castles in the air. 


William went home full of joy. He never before felt 
the presence of God as that evening, and he understood the 
words of the poet when he said 


4 















ny ioe es 


And can’t be sad; Be Ss BR 
_ It’s full of joy and song: heats Pathe ae 
Finds pleasure all day long. 2" 


What makes me glad, is Jesus Christ 
‘The Lover of my soul. 

Bere tot du _ What makes me sing, is Jesus Christ 
ae The man that makes me whole. 


‘ 





i ' 


Me 


‘ee 








4 


é 





tie aie + hes 
Pe Re Beets = 


‘ 
“rn « 


THE SCHOOLMASTER, 51 


8. THE DOCTOR’S OSTRICH STOMACH. 


A German High School ought to be established, in order 
to cover the hole which Dr. Adolphus beat into the kettle- 
drum through the conflict of teacher William and himself. 
How was this to be done? The church was in debt, and the 
property and building of a High School cost money. Yes, 
money, and plenty of it. It was on a Thursday afternoon 
that the trustees and Dr. Adolphus eutered the schoolhouse 
to converse about school matters, After the revision, the 
three teachers were requested to go to the schoolhouse at 
half-past seven, to give their opinion concerning the erection 
of the German High School. They assembled at the ap- 
pointed hour, and chose Dr. Adolphus chairman and Prof. 
Nelke as secretary. After the assembly was thus organized, 
the chairman spoke as follows: “Dear brethren, our ‘Ge- 
meinde Schule’ is not up to the standard, and I think it is 
time to set aside this deficiency and to work; but as our con- 
gregation is too poor, we must interest all the German peo- 
ple in Chicago for our great mission. I have spoken of the 
following plan to some of the most prominent men of our 
city: We shall organize a school board consisting of a repre- 
sentative from each of the different societies. I. have also 
spoken to the turners, and different lodges, singing and pleas- 
ure societies, and they think the plan excellent; only a few 
lodges have not yet consented; however, we can easily win 
them. With such a union we could gain an influence over 
the whole city. It must be a High School in the full sense 
of the word. What do you think, dear brethren? Would 
it not be good to discuss this plan in the congregation ?” 

William asked for the floor, and said: “Brethren, I do 
not wish to be misunderstood, if I speak against the plan of 
our honorable chairman, for I dread to think of the abyss 
into which this plan may throw us. It would be excellent 





52 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


if we could establish a German High School, but this school 


must or ought to be of a Christian character,—it should be a 


salt for the Germans, and should not only be for the secular 
instruction of the students, but we must also try to instil 
Christian ideas within them. This will not take place if 
non-Christian societies have a seat and vote in the manage- 
ment. -We would have to surrender, and that would be dan- 
gerous to the school.” 

Hereupon Mr. Nelke asked for the floor, and said: “My 
honored co-worker sees ghosts. I, as well as many of our 
church-members, that are members of different lodges, would 
protest against such arguments. In this case he talks as a 
blind man, who tries to speak of the colors which he does not 
know. If he knew the management of the lodges, he would 
find out that many Christian deeds are done by them, and I 
think with such elements we could influence the better part 
of the Germans.” . 

“Well,” said William, “the future will reveal who of 
us is right. I do not wish to be misunderstood, and I hereby 
declare that I have nothing against the work of lodges,—I 
mean that part of their work which is for the support of the 
sick, widows, orphans, etc,, and 1 wish the church would do 
the same; but to unite with them to establish a German 
Christian High School, I think, is nonsense. But I, as well 
as my co-worker, have only one vote, and I will yield to the 
majority and let God, who guides all, rule all.” 

After several other members made remarks, the follow- 
ing things were agreed on: “At the next church meeting to 
announce that, united with the German lodges and societies, 
a German High School should be established, and that the 
premises upon which the school is now standing, should be 
given for the purpose.” 

Before the church meeting, Dr. Adolphus’ friends worked 
hard for the cause. The German press was interested in the 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 53 


work, and in all places, lodges, societies, etc., the plans of 
Dr. Adolphus were highly praised. Fora time he was the 
most popular man in Chicago, and his plans were carried by 
a great majority, almost without discussion. But its estab- 
lishment would cost money, and where to get it, that was the 
great question. Collectors were chosen, each one having his 
own district, and furthermore, it was agreed to give a fair in 
July in the “Turning Hall” for the purpose of raising funds. 
Four committees were appointed with members of different 
lodges as chairmen in each of them. Teacher William was 
one of the collectors, it being evident that the Doctor was 
trying to win him, or to tire him, of his undertaking, or, to 
use his own words, “to drown him by breaking the bridge.” 
His friend, Mr. Orlin, said nothing, and as he did not want 
to have anything more to do with the Doctor, he also wished 
his friend William would say nothing. However, being 
teacher, he had to take part in the assembly, and he still 
hoped that God would bring everything to pass according to 
His will. The time of the fair came on. The committees 
worked like bees, and there were but few Germans that did 
not help. William was not accustomed to the work, there- 
fore cared nothing or little for it,—he merely collected money |. 
and handed it to the treasurer. 

As soon as the fair, that was to last four days, was 
opened, presents were donated amounting to many thousand 
dollars. Articles from one cent up to hundreds of dollars 
were to be seen and had; among them a piano valued at five 
hundred dollars, ete. Let us look within the building. 
From every one that entered an “Ah!” was uttered. We 
must give the Doctor credit, for he understood well the ar- 
rangement of the donations, and handsome young ladies 
were to attend to the stands. Near the door there stands a 
large snuff-box, and on it was written: 


54 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


‘‘When the heart and mouth have plenty, 
Then the nose doth not be empty.” 

Presently we arrive at a door, above which is the in- 
scription: “Curiosity Chamber. Admission, only 10 Cts.” 
In this chamber was exhibited the watch which Napoleon 
used during his flight through Russia. Also different coins, 
and the drum which the Israelites beat while going through 
the Red Sea. In the back ground was a large sign, on which 
were painted animals of every description, below which were 
the words, “The Great Menagerie.” At the door of this 
menagerie stood a man, who called out: “Those who have 
not been in the menagerie have not been to the fair.” 


On entering they saw dogs and cats, squirls and chick- 
ens, a dear, white mice and rats, Guinea pigs, and many 
other animals. 

On the other side of the “Hall” there was a chamber 
where every gentleman, who paid ten cents, could enter and 
receive a kiss from a beautiful young lady. 


Beside the door of this chamber stood the piano and a 

gold-headed cane, which were to be raffled for, and which to- 
gether realized about two thousand dollars. 

The adjoining room was made into a wine and beer hall. 

Thousands of people were present just for the purpose 
of getting rid of their money, and they found no difficulty 
in doing so. 

Among the crowd Dr. Adolphus, the hero of the time | 
and the director of the fair, was seen. 


This fair lasted four days and four nights, and closed 
with a variety entertainment. 

But let us drop the curtain. 

It is horrible to think that anyone should resort to such 
means in order to build a Christian school. However, the 
purpose had to sanctify the means. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 55 


Ten thousand dollars net gain at least! The correct 
amount was not made known, for the conscience of the no- 
ble gentlemen of the city troubled them very much. One 
month after the great fair, the corner stone of the German — 
High School of the Union Church was laid. It was a beau- 
tiful day in August. The place was finely decorated, and, at 
four o'clock in the afternoon the lodges, with their emblems, 
came marching along to the strains of the martial music. 
The turners, and also many other societies arrived with their 
flags, and placed the latter on the building grounds. Dr. 
Adolphus and the building committee took their places on 
the platform. Teacher Nelke stood near with a roll in his 
hand, like Bluecher on the battlefield with his spy glass. 
After the musivians were through playing the choral, “Wake 
up, for loud calls the voice,” the different choirs sang, and then 
Dr. Adolphus rendered an address, in which he said the du- 
ties of every German were to give their children the best 
education, and he was glad that he succeeded in persuading 
the different lodges to aid him in his undertaking, ete., ete. 

Yes, yes, the doctor understood it very well, to throw 
sand into the people’s eyes, and smear dirt around their 
mouths. 

He had an Ostrich stomach that could digest every- 
thing, if his plans were only carried out. One especially 
was pleased, and this was the devil. Prof. Nelke read a 
document and this was put into the corner-stone. After the 
choir had sung another song, and the Doctor had laid the 
stone by giving three stroke with a hammer, they departed. 
In the evening teacher William held a prayer-me:ting in the 
house of Mr. Orlin, he read the 40th chapter of Isaiah and 
explained the last verse, which reads as follows: “But they 
that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they 
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not 
be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” 





x 
cw 
f 
i 
2 
x 
i 
S. 








THE SCHOOLMASTER. 57 


9. DISGRACE IN THE HOLY PLACE. 


The High School was almost finished, and diligently 
they were working on and for it; but while the work was 
going on, dark clouds came up, which threatened the Doc- 
tor. The Evangelical Union Church belonged to a synod, Bee: 
which was to meet in October, and that, too, at Rev. 
Manhart’s church in Chicago. ig 

A protest was handed in by the Rev. Rundherum against 
the admission of the Doctor into the Synod. He was not Si 
yet a member of it, and was only chosen to be minister of . 
this church under the condition that he would become a 
member of the Synod. at, 

In order to keep track of our story we must follow “) 
teacher William to the church of the Rev. Manhart, where 
the meeting was to take place. 


All were present, and it was in truth an honorable meet- Lenk 
ing. The president opened the Synod with reading a chap- , 
ter from the Bible, prayer, and the song: 


‘*How sweet to leave the world awhile 
And seek the presence of the Lord! 

Dear Saviour, on Thy people smile, 
And come, according to Thy Word. 


“From busy scenes we now retreat, 

That we may here converse with Thee; 
Ah, Lord, behold us at Thy feet! 

Let this the ‘gate of heaven’ be. 


“Chief of ten thousand!’ now appear, 
That we by faith can see Thy face; 
Oh, speak, that we Thy voice may hear, 
And let Thy presence fill this place!” 
After the opening, one of the members said : ne 
“The committee of taking up new members is ready to 
report.” 


58 | CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


First would be, the acceptance as member of Dr. Adol- 
phus, of the Union Church, in Chicago. 

The motion was made not to accept him, as Rev. Rund- 
herum had handed in a protest against the Doctor. 

In this way it was found out that the Doctor came in 
connection with the different lodges in order to build a Ger- 
man High School, etc. After the motion was made and 
seconded, remarks were called for. The Doctor asked for 
the floor, and spoke as follows: 

“Brethren, in order to establish a High School I only 
had the good and welfare of our Church and Synod in view. 
We should have a larger influence in the Western Metropolis 
than we have, and how else can we get this influence 
through the education of youth. And if we, by means of 
these different lodges, which are not of a Christian character, 
can increase the work of our beloved Church, I think it is 
our duty to accept all the help we can get. Look at the 
High School ot the Catholics! I tell you, something is 
learned there, and many of our members that like to have 
their children instructed, send them there. Of course, the result 
is that we lose them. We, the Church and myself, shall take 
care that the Christian character is held up, and as Chris- 
tians we know this, and none of the people that helped us, 
said anything against it. Brethren, our Master said, ‘Be 
wise as the serpent, bat without fault as the dove.’ It is not 
that I am seeking my own honor, for if that were the case, [ 
should say, do not take me asa member. But here it is for 
the good of our Church, which will stand by my side; for 
the school, from which we shall derive great benefits; for the 
good of our Synod, the influence of which will decrease if it 
objects,—for the people will say, “This honorable body is 
against a higher education.’ But the most of all, it will be 
a blessing to our sons and daughters. What matters it, 
whether our children be instructed by unbelievers or Catho- 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 59 


lies? And I say those that instruct our children have won 
them for their church,” ete. 

The address made a good impression, and after it was 
ended, the Synod took the next point into consideration. | 

If the Church is willing to direct this school in a Chris- 
tian-like manner, the Doctor can be taken up as member, 
under the condition that he would hand in a pledge with the 
names of the ecclesiastical council, certifying that they would 
keep up a Christian spirit in the school, After this proposi- 
tion was made the Rev. Manhart was opposed to it. How- 
ever, the council spoke for it, making it appear as if the Rev. 
Manhart was jealous. After they were all calmed down, the 
motion was made to admit Dr. Adolphus as a member. After 
this Rev. Manhart spoke again: “Brethren, this accession 
will not be a blessing to our church; but the future will re- 
veal.”’ 

And the future did reveal. The Doctor did not keep 
his word, and the ecclesiastical council permitted that those 
students, whose parents wished them to study the Bible, could 
do it, but in general it was not taught. 

The building was finished in December, and should be 
dedicated at the beginning of the new year. 

One hundred life scholarships were suld. 

On the second Christmas day the trustees assembled to 
elect their teachers. Doctor Adolphus was chairman and 
Prof. Nelke secretary. The meeting was not opened with 
prayer. The Doctor read the names of the applicants, and 
Prof. Nelke’s name was the only one of the former teachers 
read ; for Mr. Habicht and William thought, being teachers 
before, it was not necessary they should apply. 

4 better teacher in Mathematics, Penmanship and Draw- 
ing, could not be found than Mr. Habicht, but as he did not 
take part in the Doctor’s plans, he did not like him. And 
teacher William was also good in his branches, Religion and 











60 ‘CHICAGO IN. TEARS AND SMILES. 


in the elementary classes; but he stood on the bridge with 
the Doctor and he wanted to break the bridge. There was 
no place in the school for Mr. Habicht or William. Prof. 
Nelke was appointed principal, and in this way their new- 
born child was given to a nurse, who*would kill it in a short 
time. Before they departed William said: “You had no 
place for Mr. Habicht and me. It is well. But I did not 
think you would be so foolish as to give the management of 
the school-to a man that did not study Latin or Greek. How 
can he tell whether the teachers are doing their duty? And 
as he told me himself, that he could not extract the cube root, 
how is he going to manage Algebra or Geometry? It is like 
putting an ox on arope and telling him to dance. Come, 
Mr. Habicht, let us get out of this place.” 

After they had left the room Mr. Habicht said: “I am 
doubting a Bibie verse.” 

“Which one?” asked Wilham. 

“in the Proverbs we read, ‘There is nothing new under 
the sun ; for it has happened before.’ I cannot quite believe 
such a thing as this has happened before,—the idea of giving 
the management of a High School to a person whovis not fit 
to teach the A. B. C. class. But this can only take place in 
' America, in no other country. Yes, yes, in America impos- 
sible things are possible.” 

By not giving the other two teachers an equal chance 
with Prof. Nelke, a row was brought on; for these men were 
esteemed by many of the church. Mr. Habicht established a 
private school, and William was advised to do likewise, but 
he refused all help. He earned his living by giving private 
lessons. 

At the next Bible meeting at the house of Mr. Orlin, 
William wrote a petition with the signature of twenty-five 
members, on account of breach of promise on the side of the 
Doctor. The Doctor heard of this, and had all the members 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 61 


of the church assemble, when he said to them: “Let us throw 
off the yoke of the Synod and be a free thinking church.” 

What he proposed was accepted. 

William and several other members protested against 
this, but they were in danger of being thrown out, if they 
did not hold their peace. Well, the Doctor had the majority 
on his side, and majority rules. 

But “he who laughs last, laughs best.” 


The following Sunday the church was crowded to the 
utmost, for the steps which the Doctor had taken spread like 
fire. 

He had been the hero of the day formerly, but now, as 
the man who had the courage to throw off the old belief and 
the old faith, and to preach against the nonsense of the Bible, 
he was, they thought, worthy of being made a god. 

The Doctor mounted the pulpit without wearing his 
cape. This was a sign that he had thrown off all the old 
forms of the church, and was a free thinker. The theme of 
his sermon was, “Give me liberty, or give me death !” 


/He began his introduction with the poem: 


Freedom, which I mean, 
Which I esteem, 
Come, with thy holy light 
Beautiful vision bright. 
Thyself you’ll not show 
To us below; 
Leadest thy holy song 
Only the heavens along ? 
More than ten times he called out, “The cape is too tight 
for me, therefore I have done away with it.” 
His sermon consisted of nothing but “truth,” and often 
he would say: “Truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the 
truth, shall I preach in the future.” 


62 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


But ne had forgotten to explain what he meant by the 
word “truth.” It is strange to hear a man who knows noth- 
ing but to lie, speak of truth. 

When service was ended, and the people had departed, 
William was asked by another “free-thinking” minister, 
whether the Doctor would drown after having torn down 
the bridge. 

“Certainly,” answered William; “before one year bas 
passed the Doctor and all of his followers will fall into the 


water and drown.” 


* x i * ts * 


The Synod appointed a committee to inquire into these 
things. The committee only conferred with the few true 
members, as they really were the ones that upheld the 
church. An extra meeting was to take place, and all the 
members to be present. — 


? 


The committee and teacher William occupied the last - 
seats in the church; as the hour for the opening of the 
meeting approached, the Doctor, with his followers, entered 
and took the front seats. 


Mr. Bock was appointed chairman, and after the meeting 
had been called to order, Doctor Adolphus read his letter, 
which was sent by the Synod, stating that “the property of 
the church belonged to the members who would adhere to 
the Synod, and that the newly organized free church would 
have to look for another location, as the honorable church 
body would not permit their property to be occupied by those 
whordo not acknowledge the true faith.” 

After the letter was read, William remarked, that a com- 
mittee of the Synod was present, which would like to have 
the liberty of speaking a few words. 

“What!” cried Dr. Adolphus, “these people ought to be 
ariven out of my — I mean our — church as scabby dogs.” 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 63 


“Out with them!” was heard from all comers. 

Sticks were raised, and one man struck the chandelier 
and down it came with a crash. 

“Kaves-droppers! Blackguards! Out with them !” shout- 
ed the enraged director of the High School. 

With uplifted chairs and sticks, they’ came rushing to- 
wards the faithful ones, who were glad to make their escape. 

After they had been driven out, the new director played 
the melody, “Freedom, which I mean,” and those present 
joined in the chorus. After this a motion to adjourn was 
made, and the Doctor invited them over into his parlor, to 
have a drink. 

The committee of the Synod had lost all hopes of re- 
gaining their property by fair means; but William said to 
them, “Brethren, the followers of Doctor Adolphus will soon 
become ashamed of him.’’ And his words proved true. 





64 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


10. THE DOCTOR FALLS INTO THE WATER. 


The trouble first began in the school. Excellent teach- 
ers who understood how to teach all branches were elected. 
These teachers did not wish to have a principal who was not 
competent. 

In the weekly meetings Dr. Adolphus was chairman, 
but he soon proved to be incapable of attending to the differ- 
ent. branches. Some began to inquire why he called himself 
“Doctor.”’ There are many here in America who call them- 
selves Doctor without having received diplomas. No one 
knew where the good man came from. One morning 
he was seen in New Jersey, being told in New York that 
there was a vacancy for him, and as he was a_ born 
orator, they passed him without an examination. So it was 
in Chicago. . 

Where his birthplace in Germany was, and who his an- 
cestors were, could not be found out. To everyone he told a 
different tale, and if one would call his attention to his con- 
tradictions, he would laugh and say, “It is not necessary. for 
every one to know my life.” Theology, he wanted to have 
it understood, he had studied in England; but this, as it was 
found out, was not the truth. Such a man of course was in- 
capable of regulating the different grades in a High 
School. 

One Sunday afternoon William was visited by one of 
the teachers of the High School. He told William “that in 
the last conference with the Doctor, he had said to him that he 
would rot continue teaching, and neither would the 
other teachers, if. Mr. Nelke was retained as principal, 
as they did not wish to be directed by a man who is not capa- 
HG. ‘ 

“But will it benefit you and your friends?” asked Wil- 
liam. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 65 


“T am convinced that the man will not let himself be 
thrown off his saddle; however, I am glad it came to this, 
for now the fall of the would-be Doctor is settled; but he 
will try to hold himself, and he will, for he is a good rope- 
walker and a good swimmer. Butif you and your co-work- 
ers break the bridge, then he must fall into the water.” 

The teacher also thought that Mr. Nelke would gladly 
resign, as the sehool could not exist under such regulations. 

“You don’t know that man,” said William, “for to the 
trustees, as well as to the teachers, that which Dr. Adolphus 
says is law; and there are many cousins who are waiting for 
the vacant places; but the school will not stand another 
change of teachers.” 

And so it happened, that all the teachers had to yield to 
others that were willing to carry out the Doctor’s schemes 
and plans. 


The teacher of Languages was a student who had de- 


graded himself and was often found in vile company. 

The Penmanship and Drawing teacher was a Lieutenant 
driven from the army, although he had the talents of teach- 
ing those branches. However, he loved “Tom and Jerry” 
so much that he could not control himself enough to keep 
sober until his hours were passed. _The teacher of the Ele- 
mentary classes was a nice young man, only a little careless. 
He was a teacher in Germany, and had good recommenda-. 
tions, but alas! he got into bad company. Professor Nelke: 
was victorious as second commander, and he that did not. 
obey his orders, would soon be made to do so, by means of 
the Professor’s kind words. 

The school was not as well patronized as it could have 
been, and in a short time only those remained who had a 
life scholarship. But the teachers had to be paid; and if one 
is constantly taking flour out of the barrel, it will soon be 
omny. so it was with the fund. After all the means had 


Ae Oe eS ee sg Pee TO 6 ee ee re “Dae ee Se ay AT Be re, ee be Ge bay. ae By ree PP Ge 
7 7 S08 8 er pean YAN Ong ih 





66 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


been consumed, another fair was held; but it did not draw 
as large a crowd as the first time, for the fraud was detected. 

In church the few faithful ones were also very busy, and 
when Spring came, they had the better class of people gath- 
ered round them. Only one more storm and the bridge 
would break, and the Doctor fall into the water. 

Under such circumstances, the Easter ecclesiastical coun- 
«cil met. All of the faithful ones were present. The follow- 
ers of the Doctor did not put in an appearance; the Doctor 
and Director Nelke and several others were the only ones 
‘that came, and they seemed to have had too much of “Tom 
and Jerry.” 

One of the faithful ones was appointed chairman, a 
proof that they were in the majority. 

This motion was made: “As Dr. Adolphus is not 
member of the Synod he is forbidden to be pastor of the 
Union Church in Chicago, and is not privileged to mount the 
pulpit.” 

After this proposition, the Doctor felt the ground mov- 
ing under his feet. However, the bridge did not fall, for it 
‘was supported by the Doctor’s followers; as soon as the 
genileman that made the motion finished speaking, Mr. 
Nelke cried out: “Blackguards,” and this was the signal for 
‘a tumult. One cried this, and the other something else, and 
a similar riot was brought on as that of which we read in 
‘the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 19. 

The consequence was, the meeting had to adjourn for a 
‘week. At this meeting the same scenes were repeated, and 
this time the motion was made to adjourn for a fortnight, 
‘during which time both parties worked like beavers. 

The day came, upon which things should be settled. 

Teacher William was taken sick, and therefore could 

not attend the meeting. However, the party of the Doctor 
was in the majority; his followers came in corpore into the 








THE SCHOOLMASTER. ; 67 


meeting, and he entered with a pistol in his hand, evidently _ 
to frighten his opposers. 

After the meeting was called to order, the motion that 
the Doctor should leave the church was again taken up. 
Prof. Nelke asked for the floor, and said: 


“You blackguards, out with you! Where is that Wil- — 


liam? That coward knew that the revolver was here to 
shut him up, that’s the reason he did’nt come!” 

The chairman knocked on the table with the hammer, 
but without avail. Then the signal was given, and the tu- 
mult began. “Out with you! Out with you!” one of them 
cried, “or we'll demolish everything in the church.” 

After William was informed ot the results, he said : “The 


next time the bridge will break, you may depend upon it.” | 
“Tt would be best if you would not come to the next” 


meeting,” one of them said; “for the Doctor has made up 
his mind to kill you.” 

“Well, I will risk it. I am very sorry that I could not 
be present at the last meeting.” 

After two weeks another meeting was held. The be- 
ginning was as usual; only a few of the faithful ones came, 
for some had given it over as lost; also the Doctor’s followers 
were not so numerous as before. 

After the meeting had been called to order, William 
made the motion to elect Mr. Bock as chairman by acclama- 
tion. 

The motion was seconded, and accepted. 

The chairman took his seat, and one could read on his 
face that he was willing to have order. : 

“I thank you, brethren,” he said, “for the confidence 
that you have put in me, and I hope that those recent scenes 


will not occur again; and I will make everyone that acts dis- 


orderly sit down or leave the room. Let us act as gentle- 
men.” 





+ 


68 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


William made the motion to vote either for or against 
the proposition made by one of the members, and that with 
ballots. This motion was accepted. 

The Doctor leaned against a pillar, for he was as pale as 
death, and as for Prof. Nelke, he would willingly have started 
his old tactics, but he feared the chairman. 

The ballots were given out and gathered ; everything was 
as quiet as the grave. The first ballot was a “no,” then fol- 
lowed a whole string of “yes,” only twice was this string 
broken with a “no ;” all the friends, except Prof: Nelke and 
several others, voted against the Doctor. 

After the last ballot was read, the Doctor left the room ; 
and his bosom friend, Mr. Nelke, soon followed him. 

a iter they were gone, the chairman said: 

“Now, brethren, we are finished with these fellows. I 
think they led us by the nose long enough.” 

The other things were soon settled, and everything went 
on peacefully. The motion was now made to write to the 
Synod, for them to send a suitable minister at once. 


After the meeting adjourned with song and prayer, the 
chairman came to William and gave him his hand, saying: 

“Let us be good friends. If I have done wrong, then 
forgive me. I, as well as others, was carried away by the 
powerful sermons of the Doctor. My friends and myself 
have watched the coolness with which you have taken things, 
also at the beginning of this meeting, I have admired your 
sagacity, for you thought that you and your party could only 
conquer if the followers of the Doctor were forced to vote 
against or for him.” 

“Yes, that is what I thought; but I am astonished at 
the result. I thought we might win by a small majority, 
but almost all of the Doztor’s men voted against him. How- 
ever, it is well; there is only one more hard fight, and work, 











THE SCHOOLMASTER. 69 


and [ look to you for help; and that is, to clear the augeay 
stable ot the High School.” 


“Certainly, here is my hand; we will and must make 
everything clean!” 

Well pleased, all went to their homes. 

But before we close this chapter, we must look at Doctor | 
Adolphus and see how well he can swim. 


The Doctor went home, and Prof. Nelke accompanied 
him. These two men were really true friends, for one needed 
the other. 

How well the poet speaks of such: 

“Friendly souls do always find 
Themselves, by land and by sea.” 

“What next?” asked Doctor Adolphus, after they arrived 
in the parlor. “I-could never have believed that my friends | 
' would desert me in such a manner. They are worse than 
our enemies. Great God, how is it possible! What can be 
done, Brother Nelke? Must this miserable schoolmaster 
come in our way ?” 

“You gave him a call, and ought to have left him where 
he was,” his bosom friend answered. ‘That fellow knows 
more than all of us, and with that he is so calm, as if he had 
no gall in his stomach. I shouldn’t wonder if he won’t start 
up the school.” 

“We must keep him from that; it is fine that the trus- 
tees mainly consist of lodge members,” said the Doctor. 

“But,” was the answer, “the schoolhouse stands on the 
property of the church. The church will take possession of 
the premises and then—we are undone.” 


“Well, we must get to work at once. To-morrow morn- 
ing the school must be ours by all means. I will preach in 
the Aula next Sunday. I will advertise it, and then we shall 
see who wins the battle,” said the Doctor. 





CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


ye eelk We are not fooling ourselves, —for the people are the 
ume ; to-day Hosanna, to-morrow, Crucify him! We will 


.. The next day the following appeared in the papers: 
“Next nana Doctor Se AGE will preach in the hate of 








THE SCHOOLMASTER. 71 


11. HOW THE DOCTOR CAN SWIM. 


The Sabbath came; it was a lovely day, and as it was 
Whitsuntide, the church was crowded to the utmost. A 
young minister had been sent on this occasion, who was 
somewhat timid. It would have been better had the Synod 
send an older minister; however, they could find no other one ak 
present, —™ 

Doctor Adolphus had the “Aula” decorated, and a choir 
was invited. All of this was done to win the hearts of the 
people, and to organize a “free thinking” congregation. 
However, he did not make out the bill with the inn-keeper, 
for the ecclesiastical council handed in a protest. When the 
Doctor arrived with his Nelke, he found several policemen 
there, who forbade him to enter the aula. Some people had ss 
gathered at the door, with whom our hero went to a hall and 
preached on the text,“The just must suffer much.” But they 
could not organize a free church. 

The seats of the Union Church were all occupied. 
Teacher Habicht was director, and played the organ: The 
| song that echoed through the house seemed to be sung by 

angelic voices; it was grand, when the whole congrega- 
tion joined in the song: 

“Come, O Creator, Spirit blest! 

And in our souls take up Thy rest; 


Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid, 
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made. 


“Great Comforter, to Thee we cry! 
O highest gift of God most high! 
O fount of life! O fire of Love! 
Send sweet anointing from above. 


“Kindle our senses from above, 

And make our hearts o’erflow with love, 
With patience firm, and virtue high, ‘ 
The weakness of our flesh supply. 





ek ee 


72 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


‘Far from us drive the foe we dread ; 
And grant us Thy true peace instead ; 
So shall we not, with Thee for guide, 
Turn from the path of life aside.” 


The teacher thought that he never heard so beautiful a 
song; everything that could give comfort to the heart could 
be heard therein. The church was again brought back to 
its former shape; for one long Winter it had, so to speak, 
been imprisoned. 


“The right hand of the Lord is exalted; 
The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.” 


This was the spirit which pervaded every one in church 
that morning. The minister mounted the pulpit somewhat 
bashful; at that moment he felt that he could not speak 
what his heart and the heart of the people expected. His 
text was taken from John 14: 23-31, and his theme being 
the 27th verse: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give 
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let 
not your hearts ke troubled, neither be afraid.” 


This verse was in itself a sermon for that poor congre- 
gation. He spoke well, and especially accented, “My peace 
I give unto you.” He explained “that the peace which the 
Lord giveth, is altogether different from that which the 
world giveth,” ete. 

In the afternoon of this beautiful Sunday no one wished 
to stay in the house, and a little company gathered at the 
house of Mr. Orlin, and after a fight repast, they went to 
Lincoln Park. 

It was different at the house of the Doctor. Prof. Nelke 
was with him all afternoon, and tried to comfort him. 

His poor wife was sitting on a chair with a little baby 
on her lap crying; his oldest daughter pressed herself 
tightly against her mother, and he—was weeping also. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 73 


Yes, he was weeping. They were not “crocodile” tears, 
but real tears, caused by the misery he had brought upon 
himself and family. However, this was not the repentance 
which no one regrets, but the repentance which causes death. 
It was a Judas’ repentance, for he knew only too well how 
mischievously he had played his game, and to know that he , 
had lost, was what brought the tears to his eyes. 

If he would have turned and asked God to forgive him, 
he would have become a different man, and he could have 
accomplished much with his excellent talents, but he did not 
think of that. 

“How could it ever come to this?” he murmured. “Why 
was I such a fool as to let this miserable scoundrel come from 
the East!” 

“Dear husband,” his wife said, “you are the only one to 
blame, for it was through your doings and through your 
ways that this misery has been brought upon us all. You 
tried to serve God and also serve the world. Why did you 
join in with the enemies of our Church? Oh, turn, turn; it 
is not too late!” 

And turning to Mr. Nelke, she said: “You also are to 
blame for this, for you followed him. What he said and did 
was right in your eyes, instead of you telling him what was 
wrong.” 

“Hush, wife!” the Doctor cried, “you don’t know what 
you are talking about, for you don’t understand our life. 
Fool that I am, to let myself be conquered through the tears 
of my wife, and to ery with her as a little baby. Up! Up! 
Adolphus; up, to begin anew!’ Then he added, “Leave us, 
wife; we must consult what to do instead of having old 
‘women around crying.” 

After Mrs. Aolphus left the room, the Doctor said, “Now 
let us talk as men. What must we do to make life for this 
accursed school teacher as weary as possible, and to keep the 








74 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


school? We must have an influence over he Germans of 
this city, for our future depends wholly upon them.” 

After discussing for a time, they concluded to try to 
keep the school in their possession, and continue to organize 
a “free thinking” church. The hall in which the Doctor 


_ preached in the forenoon was in their hands. They could 


make use of it whenever they wished. They also concluded 
to publish a weekly paper, under the title, “The Free Altar,” 
and as Prof. Nelke’s son was a printer, they would try to es- 
tablish their own printing house, ete. 

However, when Mr. Nelke arrived Monday morning to 
begin school, he found all of the trustees consulting how the 
school could be managed in a better way. Thechildren were 
all sent home. Dr. Adolphus was called. Mr. Bock was 
appointed chairman; he opened the meeting with an address, 
in which he said: 

“As the Union Church has another minister, and as the 
school is standing on the premises of the [church, we must 
find a way to keep up the school, without harming any one.” 

They agreed to keep the school open, and have all the 
teachers to resign, and appoint new ones. . The Doctor 
and Prof. Nelke were opposed to this plan; but in vain; for 
majority rules. Prof. Nelke resigned at once, and his. 
resignation was accepted. And the Doctor? They politely 
told him that he was only pastor of Union Church; but.since 
he was no more, his office as trustee also had expired at the 
same time when he gave up his office as pastor in that church. 

Then the last hope failed him, and he had to look for 
something else that would keep him from drowning. 

His “Free Altar” was published, in which one could 
read everything that ought not to be read, and in a short time: 
it was found in most of the non-Christian families. The 
paper would have brought him a snug little fortune had he 
only Jed a different life; as it was, he kept sinking, deeper 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 75 


and deeper in the mire, and several years after he had to 
stop its publication. 


On Sundays he preached in the hall; he organized a 
“free thinking” congregation, only in name, however. He 
married people, baptized, and held funeral sermons, and had 
he had not fallen so deeply he could have easily supported his 
family. 

His wife tought against the bad habits of her husband, 
but to no purpose, and the worst happened; she fell into 
her husband’s way and habits. 


By giving the school into the hands of different teach- 
ers, the congregation thought William and Mr. Habicht would 
certainly take a place; but both declared that they would 
not have any one to say, that they worked against these 
men for their own benefit. William told Mr. Bock, who 
wanted him to take a place in the school: “Try and get good 
teachers; for me the Lord will provide; for I would much 
rather fight hard formy living than have any one saying I was 
working for my own interest.” 


After consulting for a time, an experienced schoolmaster 
who applied for a situation, was chosen as director, and the 
appointing of other teachers was left to him, and in this way 
the school began to flourish. 


William however still possessed great influence over the 
school as well as over the church, as they always asked his 
advice on matters of importance. 





Na 


30.°° CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


12. THE DOCTOR DROWNS. 


Dear reader, we must again lead you back to State street, 
into the room where Mr. Wendel met his horrible fate, 

Seated around a table are all of our old friends, Mr. 
Blumenthal and his wite, Mrs. Aurora, and several other 
pretty girls, that were present the first meeting at the house 
of the Doctor. The Doctor’s handsome maid-servant, the 
Doctor himself, and the never-failing Prof. Nelke, as he now 
calls himself. 

The Doctor was sitting between his maid and Mrs. Blu- 
menthal, while Mr. Blumenthal was chatting with two other 
young ladies. They did not save money, for the wine was 
flowing very freely. 

While all were having a jolly good time, and the Doctor 
was in the act of kissing his maid, a man entered, and going 
directly to the Doctor, said to him: 

“You have plenty of money for drinks, but none to pay 
your debts. I think it is time for you to pay for the coat 
you are wearing.” 

“Sir, how dare you ask a payment of me, a man who is 
far above you in learning and refinement! I say, how dare 
you dun me ina public place. You will receive your money 
as soon as I get ready to pay it,” the Doctor said. 

“Well, well, my dear sir, as you were never at home, I 
had to hunt for you, and {[ would be pleased if you would 
‘pay me now. I would then trouble you no more.” 

“Hush!” cried the Doctor; “or—” 

“Or? well, what about that or? I told youthat I would 
keep still if you would pay me, and uot before.” 

The Doctor arose and walked to another corner, and 
while Mr. Blumenthal was asking the man to keep still, the 
Doctor passed through a secret door into the play room. 
The others were pleased to see the man’s embarrassment, who 


Se ED ae a 
as 


_ oF PP 
" * 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. 77 


stared as if the earth had opened and swallowed the 
Doctor alive. 

After a short time they were all gathered around the 
gaming table. Dr. Adolphus had his last five dollar bill set 
upon one card. He won. The Doctor always put some of 
his winnings away, and now being winner of almost one 
hundred dollars, he stopped playing. 

His friends looked at him with surprise. 

“Stopping already ?” asked Mr. Blumenthal. 

“Yes; I need this money, for to-morrow I must leave 


- Chicago for the far West, to seek my fortune.” 


“Very prudent, very wise,” his friend added. 

They left off playing and came. down stairs. Soon sev- 
eral left: the place. The front door was now locked, and the 
whole crowd retired into the privacy of a back room, where 
all restraint and etiquette were put aside. But just when 


their misbehaviour reached its height, the doors were thrown _ 


open and several policemen entered and arrested them. 


With revengeful thoughts the Doctor awoke the next 
morning in jail. He asked for an interview with the jailer. 
The jailer soon came, and seeing the Doctor, he said: “How 
in all the world could you fall so low ?” 


This man was one of his best friends, and it was good 
that he was watching that night. For he and all of his 
friends were dismissed, only the inn-keeper being punished. 


Dr. Adolphus’ wife had waited for him all night; and 
the next morning, upon receiving her daily paper, she first 
found out where he was staying. She waited until noon, 
but he did not come, evening came, and yet he did not ap- 
pear. 


She began to make inquiries, and so she found out that he, 
in company with the maid, had left the city for the West. 


78 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


The unfortunate woman received, by the aid of William, 
money to go home to her parents, which she did not do, but 
followed her husband. 


* x . * * * * 


Several months have passed away. 

William accepted a call to a country school; near his 
school was a Theological Seminary, so he was able to take 
private instruction in Theology. One Saturday William visited 
his friends in Chicago, and naturally enough, he stayed at 
the house of the happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Orlin. 


The little girl had grown up, and was the pet of the 
house. She was very glad whenever William came, for he 
always had an apple or something in his pocket for her. 

To-day our friends were visited by another gentleman, 
a fellow-countryman of Mr. Orlin. He was a merchant in 
Wyoming, and came to Chicago to buy goods. 

After William was introduced to him, he enquired about 
the West. “Have you also a German church out there?” 

“Not yet,” was the reply, “although a German minister 
arrived there not long ago. He came from Berlin, as he said, 
and his sister is with him. He is a splendid speaker, and 
the place in which he preaches is always crowded. He un- 
derstands how to keep the attention of the people, especially 
the ladies. My wife is altogether taken ‘up with him.’ He 
lives in my house with his sister. A building lot has been 
presented to us, and as he is a Prohibitionist, our American 
citizens have promised us help.” 

While the gentleman was relating this, William took up 
an album which was lying on the table, and turning the 
leaves, he asked : 


“What is the name of the minister?” 
“Riedelmeier,” was the answer. 


LE, eae ada PEE hk FR Aton D 
Poni etn is Neca ie ce Died Hi eS 
FET AY By heat BED ae he 





Wiecteantt a A 
ORY ’ 
t 


ac 


THE SCHOOLMASTER. - 79 


“Riedelmeier ?” asked William ; and showing the pic- 
ture of Dr. Adolphus to the gentleman, he asked, “Is this the 
picture of the Pastor Riedelmeier ?” 

“Yes, that is his picture; do you know him?” 

“Do we-know him? Well we should say so.” 

The young man found out all about the Doctor, and 
what sort of a demon he was lodging. 

“Have you not a picture of the so-called sister of the 
Doctor?” asked William. 

Mrs. Orlin looked in a little box which was standing on b. 
the table. ‘Yes, here is one,” she said. 

William showed it to the gentleman, and asked: “Is 
this his sister ?” 

“Yes,” was the answer. 

“Well, my friend, she is not his sister, but his concubine,” 

said William. 
“Has he never spoken of his wife?” asked. Mrs. Orlin. 

“Yes,” he said, “that,she is yet in Berlin, but will soon 
come.” 

“My dear friend, take my advice, and go back to your | 
home as soon as possible, for I fear, that before you arrive | 
he will be gone with your wife,” said William. 

The next day the man left Chicago; and several days 
after a letter came, stating that Pastor Riedelmeier left Wy- 
oming, being identified by the young merchant as Doctor 
Adolphus. 7 

Again several months passed, and one day a rumor was 
spread that Dr. Adolphus had come back to Chicago; and 
he did arrive, as traveling agent for a liquor business in St. 
Louis; and he should have done well. 

The Union Church recovered slowly but surely, and to- 
day, as I write this, it is one of the largest congregations in 
Chicago. 








 ITLe DIVISION: 





THE CITY MISSIONARY. 











1. THE PREPARATIONS. 


Between Elmwood and Addison, two little villages near 
Chiéago, there stands a-pretty little house. Wildgrapevines . 
were climbing up the sides, while in front a garden added 
much to the beauty of the place. This was the residence of 
William, and in this lonely place he was happier than in the 
large city of Chicago. His heart’s desire was to spend the 
rest of his life in this retired place; his wife also had that 
desire. 

However, strange things will happen, and all our de- 
sires cannot be satisfied. 

The teacher’s family lacked nothing; they had plenty 
of good friends, for even the Professors at Elmhurst, as well 
as the students, came to visit William, and he was well liked 
among the farmers, who, after receiving spiritual blessings, 
did not stand back in doing their share in giving earthly 
things. However, William's best friend was the agent of the 
Tract Society, a real child of God, and this friend, in 
the month of May, paid him a visit. 

William told him of his plans, but he was not pleased 
with them, and plainly told him so. “All that is foolishness; 
no good will come trom it; you are one of the elect, and I 
want you to be a minister. I havea place for you. You 
know that I am an ordained minister of the Presbyterian 
Church, and a German church will soon be erected near. I 
have drawn the people’s attention to you, and you can easily 
pass your examination, and then after having a congregation 
you can settle down.” 

“Surely, my dear brother D., you mean it well with me 
and with my family, but I think it is best to stay where I 
am. If we have an English teacher, and thus organize two 


classes, we can accomplish as much as the schools in Chicago. 
83 


84 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


There are plenty of children here, for in the last session I 
had 96.” 

“If you are not mistaken, and even if you have all the 
old ones on your side, there are some that think differently. 
There is nothing as uncertain as having a position as school 
teacher. More than that I do not wish to say.” 

“We must change the subject, for Professor B. is coming.” 

+ After the guest arrived and was welcomed, William’s 
wife called her husband and guests for lunch. 

As they were sitting around the table, enjoying a good 
cup of coffee, and the well-made rye bread; the Professor 
said to William : 

“Well, Brother William, I think, after Fall, when you 
have made your examination of the students, and your term 
is up, you will do no more teaching, but preach the word of 
redemption to mankind.” 

“I thought of the same thing,” said his friend D., “for 
God has called him to the ministry.” 

“T am not thinking of such a thing,” William answered. 
“JT would rather remain a teacher, for I feel myself at home 
in school, and don’t care for the ministry.” 

“That will come,” the Professor remarked. “When I 
first began to preach I was somewhat afraid, too, but to-day, 
1 can’t do anything else; I must preach the Gospel. Don’t 
be afraid, my brother.”’ 

“Afraid? I never knew what fear was. I am accus- 
tomed to speak to the people. In Germany I was leader of 
certain parties, and spoke almost in every political meeting,” 
William answered. 

“JT am glad to hear that. i received an invitation from . 
O. to preach there next Sunday, as the minister took sick. I 
would be glad to see you take my place.” 

“T will, under one condition.” 

“And that is?” 





THE CITY MISSIONARY. 85 


“That you go along and introduce me, and criticise my 
sermon, for before some one corrected it, 1 would not like to 
hand it to the faculty to criticise.” 

“J will accept this condition,” the Professor said. 

“T be, permit it, in your band 

The third; here’s my hand,” 
friend D. remarked, “for I also would like to hear our friend’s 
first sermon.” ‘ 


After having finished their lunch, they went into the 
garden for a walk, for William’s friends remained until even- 
ing. 

William’s wife and children listened with great interest 
to what the gentlemen said, and after they departed, little 
Marie said: “Papa, I wish I could hear you preach next 
Sunday.” 


“I, too,’ shouted the oldest daughter Julia. 


“I think you had better consider it well before you take 
that step,” said his wife. “We have arranged everything 
well, and now we should have to move again.” 


“I think as you do; however, I can preach Sunday, that 
will not make me a minister.’ 


The following day William took his Bible in hand to 
look for a text. He looked for a long time without finding 
any. At last he said to himself, “Those verses that are op- 
posite each other, when I open the book, I will choose for 
my text.” He opened to the 58th chapter of Isaiah. “This 
is what I need for my sermon,” he said. 


William studied his sermon all week, and wrote it word 
for word. Then he tried’to memorize it, but he had to give 
it over; and a sermon that is memorized does not leave an 
impression like extempore. So it was best that he could not 
keep it in mind. 


86 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


On the following Saturday our clover leaf prepared 
themselves for their journey to O., a little village near 
Chicago. 

The sick pastor was not satisfied with the arrangemnts 
which the Professor had made. He had announced it in 
_ church that Professor B., of Elmhurst, would preach for him. 
However, he made a sober face to a bad play. 

William left the parsonage early Sunday morning, while 
all the rest were slumbering. 

It was a beautiful morning. Dew-drops were clinging 
to the flowers and grass, and in each drop the reflection of 
the sun, with the beautiful colors of the rainbow, was visible. 
“Children shall be born unto thee, 

As the dew from the morning twilight.” 

This is what God preached to him from nature. Had 
he not a different sermon he would have taken this for his 
text. 

On his way to the parsonage, his friend D. met him. He 
came to look for William to encourage him. 

When breakfast was finished, and the church bells were 
calling, “Come! come!” the people came from all parts, and 
the church was well filled. 

After our guests, in company with the pastor, who had 
recovered from his sickness; entered, the choir sang the 
choral, “Glory to God on high!” upon which the pastor re- 
marked, “that instead of Professor B., teacher William would 
preach the Gospel. 

William mounted the pulpit, and read the 58th chapter 
ter of Isaiah; after which a short prayer followed. There- 
upon the following song: 

“Stand up! Stand up for Jesus! 
Ye soldiers of the cross; 


Lift high His royal banner, 
It must not suffer loss. 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 8% 


From yict’ry unto vict’ry 
His army shall He lead, 
Till every foe is vanquished 
sie And Christ is Lord indeed. 


“Stand up! Stand up for Jesus! 
The trumpet call obey ; 

Forth to the mighty conflict, 
In this, His glorious day. 

‘Ye that are men, now serve Him’ 
Against unnumbered foes; 

Your courage rise with danger, 
And strength to strength oppose. 


“Stand up! Stand un for Jesus! 
Stand in His strength alone ; 
The arm of flesh will fail you— 
Ye dare not trust your own. 
Put on the Gospel armor, 
And watching.unto prayer, 
Where duty calls, or danger, 
Be never wanting there! 


“Stand up! Stand up for Jesus 
The strife will not be long; 
This day the noise of battle, 
The next the victor’s song. 
To him that overcometh, 
A crown of life shall be; 
He with the King of glory 
Shall reign eternally!” 


After the song, William read his text, Isaiah 58, verses 
6-12 and 14: 


“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the 
bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let 
the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 


“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry and that thou 
bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou 


88 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide 
not thyself from thine own flesh ? 

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning; and 
thine health shall spring forth speedily ; and thy righteous- 
ness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord-shall be thy 
rereward, 

“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou 
shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away 
from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the 
finger, and speaking vanity ; and ff thou draw out thy soul 
to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy 
light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon-day. 

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisty 
thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt 
be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose 
waters fail not. 

“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste 
places: that thou shalt raise up the foundations of many 
generations ; and thou shalt be called, the repairer of the 
breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. 

“Then sbalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will 
cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed 
thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth 
of the Lord has spoken it.” 

After he read this somewhat long text, he illustrated the 
misery on earth in beautiful pictures. 

His theme was: “The labor and the reward of the true 
Christian.” We will not insert the whole sermon, only a 
few points. In the first part of his sermon he remarked: 
“Go, ye rich, and well blessed on earth, ye that live in cas- 
tles, go to those in need and want, and visit the huts of the 
poor and wretched. They are people as well as you, have 
the same privileges on earth as you, and hope to take posses- 
sion of the same heaven that you are striving for. God has 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 89 


given you plenty in order that you can help others with 
your own means. Give thy bread to, the hungry,” etc. In 
his second part, in which he spoke of the reward of the 
Christians, he said: “Believe me, friends, there is no greater 
pleasure on earth than to be worthy of wiping off the tears 
of the poor and wretched. ‘Come unto me, all weary, and 
all who seek rest; I will give you rest.’ We should do as 
our blessed Master has done; and this is the reward: ‘Then 
thou shalt delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee 
to ride upon the high places of the earth’ ” 

After the sermon, and all people having departed, Wil- 
liam dismounted from the pulpit. His friends were waiting 
for him. 

“You have pleased me very much; your explanation 
was grand,” Professor B. said; “and yet you tell me that 
you are not called to be a minister.” 

“That is what I said, and I don’t care to be a minister; 
would much rather stay school teacher,’ William answered. 





\ 


90 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


2. INTRIGUE. 


“All things work together for good to them that love 
God,’ even his enemy. His friend D. spoke the truth, when 
he said: “That the situation of a school teacher is never cer- 
tain.” When William received his money from the county 
treasurer, he was told that he had to resign his place, as he 
could not speak the English language fluently. When Wil- 
liam told his wife, she was grieved and enraged over the 
malignancy of the people. William, however, was not trou- 
bled; he trusted his God. 

“I can’t see how you could sleep so sound last night; I 
could not sleep a wink,” said his wife, the next morning. 

“Why should I not have a sound sleep? I have harmed 
no one; and if those people can’t sleep that have deprived 
me of my situation, I find that natural; but we should not 
let our hearts be troubled as if all hope was lost; God can 
and will supply us with food. Does not David say, ‘I was 
young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the just 
without bread.’ Dear wife, just have patience; God will 
help us.” 

In a strange way William remained teacher, for as soon 
_as it was known that William was discharged, the farmers, 
who were very rich in this part. rented a room, and started 
a private school, and had William come and teach. 

This room was near the public school, and William had 
the pleasure to see more children come to him than to the 
new teacher, who was an American, and who did not under- 
stand the German language. A minister, by the name of 
Trebla, was totally against William, and that happened in 
this manner: 

They were invited to the house of one of the farmers,, 
who was formerly teacher of the Gemeinde Schule, and or- 
ganist. They conversed on school teaching and ministry,, 











THE CITY MISSIONARY. , 91 


and the minister made the remark, “I want to buy mea 
horse and buggy soon, as the members live so far apart.” 

“T Would not,” said the organist,’ your predecessor had 
none. He thought if the people wanted him, they could 
come for him.” 

“You are right in that part, but one would like to take 
his family to see the members, and the farmers will not send 
their teams on that account.” 

William laughed and said: “You have a noble idea of 
the ministry. Let me tell you, those that call the minister 
do not need him so much as those that do not call for him. 
According to iy view, every pastor ought to visit those peo- 
ple that need no church, no redemption, in one word, the 
lost sheep. The members come for the pastor! Does a 
shepherd follow his flock, or does the flock follow the shep- 
herd when he leads them tothe pasture? The first is always 
the case. Or, if a hunter goes hunting, does he load his gun 
and stand in the window, and when the hare passes, shoots? 
I think he goes out into the woods to catch them.” 

The minister blushed, and the organist laughed heartily 
over this explanation. 

_ After a while the organist said: “Well, Brother Wil- 
liam, you have my son Adolph in your school. What do you 
think can be made out of this chap?” 

“Let him study for the ministry ; he is a quiet, diligent 
boy,—even if he does translate ‘the pen is bad’ into Ger- 
man, ‘Die Stecknadel ist boese !’”’ was the answer. 

“Dou you think the ministry is such a good ‘business’ 
here in America, that you advise our friend to let his sun 
study theology ?” asked the minister. 

This question completely drowned the humor which 
William's comical translation brought forth, and William an- 
swered: “Business? Business? I never knew that the min- 
istry was a business. That is perfectly ridiculous. The 


% 


92 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


ministry, which ennobles, a business? Why I can’t find 
words to utter what my heart feels, to call the preaching of 
the Gospel, God’s own Word, abusiness. Poor souls, indeed, 
who have come to that conclusion, that preaching was and is 
a business. They are like the shepherd of which Ezekiel 
speaks : : 

“ ‘Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed them- 
selves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock ? 

“<Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill 
them that are ted, but ye feed not the flock. 

“<The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have 
ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up 
that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that 
which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which 
was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled 
them. 

“‘And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd ; 
and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when 
they were scattered. 

“‘My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and 
upon every high hill; yea, my flock was scattered upon all 
the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. 

“<Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; 

“<As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock 
became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of 
the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my 
shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed them- 
selves, and fed not my flock :’ 

“<Therefore,.O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; 

“Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I am against the 
shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and 
cause them to cease from feeding my flock; neither shall the 
shepherds feed themselves any more: for I will deliver my 
flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.’ ” 


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THE CITY MISSIONARY. 93 


After William said this, he arose from his seat, and 
wanted_to leave the room, but his friend caught him by the 
coat, saying: “Keep cool, Brother William, I have only 
one question. Would you, if you had a son, let him study 
for the ministry, after you know all the responsibilities ?” 


“If I had a dozen of them, and God wanted them in 
His service He should bave them all; yet would I pray that 
He should free them from the thought that it is a ‘business,’ ”’ 
was the answer. 


From this time Rev. Trebla was William’s enemy, and 
it was his work that William had to resign his position. 


William was adviced to continue teaching and study for 
the ministry, but he would not listen. He bought a home 
for himself and family, and he believed that his idea, to 
build a school on the farm, would yet be fulfilled. 


He therefore sent his oldest daughter, Julia, to school in 
Chicago, in order that she could assist him in teaching: 
But with mighty destiny 
Union sure there ne’er ean be. 
— Bowring. 

The cross-spider weaves her web farther and farther, till 
at last she catches the fly. The Rey. Trebla was like the 
spider. A year passed, when the farmers gave the school 
which William was teaching over, and left him to look for 
himself. 

“Well, Brother William,” said Prof. B. to him, “you will 
certainly make your examination now with the other stu- 
dents.” 

“No, I do not think I will; I do not feel called to the 
ministry, and I do not like to work with cowards, of which 
there are so many in America. Yes, if all were as faithful 
and true as you, these things could easily be arranged, but as 
it is, never.” 


94 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“But what do you expect todo? I should thing, as all 
of your plans came to naught, you would look at this as 
God’s doings, and that God wants you in His service, and, to 
use your expression, clear the field of these cowards.” 

“What I shall do I will tell you. I leased some land 
from Brother G., and I will either be a farmer or gardner ; 
and as my house is on his land, I need not sell it. Iam not 
too old to learn tu be a farmer.” 

On the following day William went to Farmer G., and, 
as it was harvest time, he offered his help. 

The good old man looked at William and said: “Dat lat 
man sin, mein laiv Braeuderken. Die Finger sind fehl to luetje 
to sun Arbet.” (That is, Let that be, dear brother; your 
fingers are too little for such work). 

William laughed heartily. He explained the circum- 
stances to him, and asked him to rent thirty or forty acres of 
land to him, that he might raise herbage for the Chicago 
market, and to teach him during harvest time. The old gen- 
tleman at last consented, and said: “Wenn denn absolut wat 
daun wist, denn koennst du diesen Haver binnen,” (that is, If you 
absolutely wish to do something, you can bind these oats.) 
Early the next morning William set to work; he soon got 
the “hang of it,’ and the work went on finely. At ten 
o’clock he had a great number of sheaves tied, and as the 
suu was very hot, he began to stack them up. At noon his 
friend G. came, and he was surprised to see that William had 
tied so many the first morning. 

However, at twelve his arm began to swell, and in the 
evening it was so thick that his shirt sleave was about to 
burst. 

His wife and children asked him to stop, but nothing 
could persuade him to do so, and in four days the work was 
finished. For this he received fourteen dollars. It was din- 
ner time when he had finished, so he sat down to eat his din- 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 95 


ner. While eating, a strange feeling came over him; he was 
disgusted. 

While in this mood, he saw some one come near, and 
who else would it be but his triend D., the agent. 

“What in the world are you duing here ?” he asked. 

“I’m binding oats.” 

' “You binding oats! Is there no work for you to do; 
have you no work that you can serve your God in?” 

“No, Brother D.; if God could have used me, He would 
have left me alone as school teacher, for the Word must also 
be taught to the children.”’ 

“Shame on you to murmur against God! I will tell 
you: the society for which I am agent requested me to look 
for a man who would and could be city missionary in Chicago 
and for this you are called. To-morrow morning we will 
leave for Chicago, and I will introduce you to the leading 
men. 





96 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


3. THE COMMENCEMENT. 


The following morning William rode to Chicago with 
his friend D., and he was taken on trial for a month. His 
duties were to go from house to house with books of a Chris- 
tian character, and to teach the people the ways of truth. 
He also had to make inquiries whether the family belonged 
to any church; if not, invite them to join. He was espe- 
cially ordered tu leave a Bible in those houses where none 
were, if necessary, without pay. 

The first day he was overloaded with books, printed in 
different languages; and from the amount he sold he should 
have one-third commission. Let us follow him as he strol!s 
through the streets of the city. For along time he did not 
care to enter any house, but, at last, he took courage, and 
knocking at the door, a young lad opened the door saying, 
“We don’t buy from peddlers.” 

“Tam no peddler. I would like to speak to your father 
or mother.” 

The boy let him in, andin a short time a lady entered 
the room. 

“T am a city missionary, and have some books and also 
Bibles to sell, and those that are not able to buy them, I 
should present them with one; and I am to find out if the 
people belong to church or not; if not, to ask them to join.” 

The woman listened till he got to this point, then she 
cried out: “Leave this house; we do not belong to those 
dummies that believe that there is a God.” 

William wanted to say something, but when he saw how 
angry the lady was he left the house. He would much rather 
have thrown everything into the corner, but he did not be- 
long to that class of people; he thought how he could make 
it a success. At last he concluded to visit his friend Mr. Or- 
lin. Arriving there he was heartily welcomed, and as it was 











pet bay het: eae 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. £ 97 


dinner time, he was’asked to partake of dinner with them. 

William told him everything, and how it came about that he 

is now agent. His friend had to laugh—but laughing will 
not help it any. 

“You must look up your friends, and those infidels that 
you know, for they are ashamed to say much. Let me see 
what kind of books you have.” 

William showed him the books. He took about half a 
dozen, asked for the price, and gave William three dollars 
and twenty-five cents, saying, “Now, if all your friends help 
you, you can easily support your family, and if you remain 
in the city over night, come here to us; we have a room for 
our old friend.” 

As Mr. Orlin had to be at the court house, he bade Wil- 
liamagood-bye. 

The next place William went to was a bakery, where 
many people were present, helping the baker’s wife celebrate 


her birthday. All sorts of people had been invited —believ- 


ers and unbelievers, socialists and atheists, Jews and Jewish 
proselytes. William was cordially welcomed and asked to 
spend the afternoon. 

“Under one condition,” he said. 

“And that is?” 

“Tam a city missionary and have a lot of books on 
hand, which I am to sell. Now, if each one will buy a book, 
I will stay.” 

“Certainly !” 

In a short time William made fourteen dollars. Several 
gentlemen, however, did not buy books; therefore, he took 
out some pictures which he had in his portfolio and showed 
them te the gentlemen. | 

“Look,” said he to a son of Abraham; “here is some- 
thing for you; you are a Hebrew, are you not!” 

“That is a fantasy,’ was the answer. 


‘ ind ers Lae tre S i pte, oe RE Eis Ze wa fa ) Sp 
* wit ae 
* 


98 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“I will admit that it is a fantasy, yet the artist has thor- 
oughly studied the situation of your Moses; just look at it.” 


“That is nothing for me; even if I am an Israelite by 
birth, 1 am an Atheist, and only believe what common-sense 
teaches me,” and looking at William with a keen eye, he 
asked, “What do you think of Voigt?” 


The guests gathered around the two men to hear the 
discussion. 


“What I think of Voigt? I suppose you mean that man 
who set forth the theory that man descended from the mon- 
key? If it is he whom you refer to, why, I'll let you have 
the pleasure to believe that you came from the monkcy; as 
for myself, I believe that Iam the image of my God. And 
I repeat it, if you are contented with the thought that you 
descended from the ourang-outang or wild-man, as he is called, 
or from the chimpanzee, be assured, I shall not rob you of 
the pleasant thought.” 


A great laugh followed this repartee, and one of the 
guests said: “I could have told you that he would give you 
that answer before you asked him.” 


After dinner several piano solos were given and songs 
sung, one of them being about a heaven where beer was 
plentiful.. After he had finished, the performer asked Wil- 
liam how he liked the song. 

“How do I like the song? That may be all the same to 
you, but I don’t believe there is a heaven where beer is 
kept.” 

“Well, each one has his own ideas of heaven. The 
Turk believes heaven to be crowded with beautiful women ; 
the wine-drinker believes it full of grape-vines.” 


“And the beer drinker thinks that heaven is full of beer 
kegs,”’ said William. 


' 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 99 


“Certainly ; and the people that call themselves Chris- 
tians, don’t know what heaven is like, they have no idea,’ 
the good fellow went on. 

“What's that? Why, man, you talk like a blind man 
that wants to tell the difference of colors!—You must admit 
that love is the most precious thing which we possess.” 

“Well, yes; but what has love to do with heavén ?” 

“Have patience. The Bible tells, ‘that we shall see God 
as he is,’ and ‘God is Love.’ Yes, the heaven of the Chris- 
tian is love, love in the highest degree.”’ 

“Yes, if she believe that, you are right; that is a new 
theory to me,” said the gentleman. 

However, the young Israelite was not patiallad« with the 
triumph which he got before, so he asked William : 

“Where did Cain take his wife from, that he married in 
a strange land?” 

“My dear friend, what you are asking is not in the Bi- 
ble. Cain did not marry in a strange land. Mrs. N., please 
let me have your Bible a moment.” 

The lady handed him the Book, William gave it to the 
young man, saying, “Please find the place where it reads: 
‘Cain married in a strange land.’ ”’ 

He took the Bible, and turning over leaf after leaf, at 
last he looked in the Revelation of St. John, to find about 
Cain. 

“Why, my friend, you have never read the Bible before, 
er you would certainly know where it is written about 
Cain.” > 

William took the book and opened it to the 5th chapter 
of Genesis, verse 6, and read: “And Cain went out from the 
presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the 
East of Eden; and Cain knew his wife, and she conceived, 
and bare Enoch.” “Is there anything said about Cain tak- 
ing a wife in a strange land? Evidently he had taken his 


‘ 


100 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES, 


wife with him, and there she got her first son; and as Adam 
had sons and daughters, it is certain that Cain’s wife was his 
sister ; otherwise it could not have been. And if you wish 
to continue the fight, you must first study the Scriptures ; 
and please accept this Bible as a present.” He accepted it, 
and also promised to read it. 

After supper several other guests arrived, amongst 
whom was a lawyer. He had been listening to the conversa- - 
tion, and he thought he would challenge William, so he said: 


“Friend, I take you to be an educated man. Can you 
believe the miracles of the Bible?” 

“Why, yes; can’t you?” 

“No, because they don’t coincide with common-sense, 
and fight with the laws of nature.” 


“Against nature? Why, in nature you are surrounded 
with nothing but miracles.” 

“Oh, no; in nature everything takes its regular course.” 
“If that is the case, then solve this problem. Nature 
cannot bring forth plants without seed, and yet there is no 
seed without a plant. Which was first, the seed or the 
plant?” 

“Most surely the plant.” 

“Certainly ; but where did this plant come from, if not 
through a miracle ?” 

“T do not know that.” 

“But [ know it; the plant came into existence by a 
miracle of the living God.” 


As William had to leave, for he did not wish to stay in 
Chicago over night, and trains do not wait for passengers, he 
made himself ready for his departure, when one of the guests 
asked him: 

“Tell me. Iam a socialist; will religion be fit for the 
future and for the State which we shall build ?” 


“Do you believe that Yow: oe cht to build a State and a f 
teach it your ideas?” 

“Certainly !” ae 
\ “Then Christianity is also fit for your State; for religion. a ;. 
has nothing to do with politics, and Christ says, My king- i 
dom is not from this world.’ Well, good night, ladies and 
gents ; I am pleased to ne that I have enjoyed myself very — 
much. Good night, all.” 

This was the first day as city missionary of our ‘teacher 
William, and it certainly was a happy one. 





102 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


4. VARIOUS MEETERS. 


When William arrived home that evening he found a 

_ neighbor present, who brought amongst others, a basket of 
cherries for a present. 

This man was a true Christian. When he found out 
that William was now city missionary, he came over and 
bought some books to enlarge his library. As the neighbor 
departed he said: 

“Don’t forget to bring me a pocket Testament, for mine 
was stolen to-day. The fellow must have thought that I 
carry my pocket book in my coat pocket. I bet he made a 
long face when he discovered his mistake. I would not mind 
it if some one would steal ore every day.” 


“Why ?” asked William. 


“Well, the thieves might read in them and be con- 
verted.” 

“If that were the case, I would not mind to lose one 
myself.” 

After the neighbor departed, William and his family be- 
took themselves to rest. On the following morning he again 
rode to the city. All fear was gone. He went from the sta- 
tion to Wabash Ave:, having resolved to first visit the rich, 
and in the afternoon his friends and the poor. 

He rang the door bell of many a beautiful residence, 
but as the maid-servants responded, he had to leave without 
getting a chance to show his books. He thought he would 
try it once more, so he entered a fine looking house. This 
time he was welcomed, not by the servant, but by: g hand- 
some young lady, who asked him what he desired. 

Without a word, he opened his portfolio and showed the 
young lady his books. She looked at one, and then at an- 
other, at last she took up a little book, with gilt edge and 








THE CITY MISSIONARY. 103 


morocco cover, entitled, “ Thautropfen,” and asked in ‘an iron- 
ical way : 
\ “What is this ?” 
“That is medicine for you.” 
“T am not sick.” 
“No, your body is sound, but your soul is ill.” 
The young lady looked at William. A deep shadow 


came over her face. 
“How must I take this medicine ?” 


William took the book and opened it to tne day of the 
year and read: “God is just,” and remarked that there was 
a drop for each day in the year; “the drop for to-morrow is: 
‘The fountain of God has plenty of water.’ ”’ 


“God is just;’ how precious. I did not know that that 
verse was in the Bible. ‘The fountain of God has plenty of 
water ;’ also very instructive ; do you think my soul would 
recover, it I would take this book ?” she asked, and a large 
tear dropped from her beautiful dark eyes. 

“Tf your soul is sick.” 

The lady gave William a five dollar note, and as Wil- 
liam was getting ready to change it, she said: 

“Keep that. You have a family, and you can use the 
rest for that purpose ;”’ and as she gave him her hand, she 
said: “I wish you much luck.” 

William was happy, and so was the young lady that 
bought the book. He now went to the west side of the city. 
He entered the house of* the shoemaker, whom he met at the 
house of Doctor Adolphus. He was working diligently. <A 
man, with his son, who was waiting for his boots, was also 
present. William told him that he was now city missionary, 
and showed his books. The shoemaker bought several, and 
when William asked if there was a Bible in the house, the 
stranger said: “Look here, sir; all the Bibles in the world 





_ CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. _ 


























ought to be burnt and the preachers set on the top of the 
burning mass.” 

“By all means!” William answered. “You certainly 
know nothing about the Bible, or those that you call preach- 
ers; please take this card on which the ten commandments 
are printed, and when your son gets older, let bim learn 
them.” 
_ “Such nonsense my son shall never learn.’ 

“You say, the ten commandments are nonsense? ‘Hon- 
or thy father and mother, that thou mayest live long upon 
_ the earth which thy God giveth thee.’ Is that nonsense? 
Let me tell you, sir, that son of yours will give you a whip- 
ping when he is older.” 

_ “Oho, I guess I will have something to say to that.” | 
Be “Certainly you will; but when this takes place, then re- 
- member that I told you so.” 

The gentleman took his boots and left the house. 


a. William now asked the shoemaker about the people in 
the neighborhood, and departing, he went to a saloon. As 
he entered, he saw four men playing carils. One of them 
got up, but William said: “Stay sitting. I do not want any- 
pwning to drink. Iam going to bring you something,” and 
_ saying this he handed each one a Hoek They put the cards 
aside, and began to read. 


“What is the price of this book?” en one of the men. 
“Forty cents.” 

The man reached in his pocket and gave him the change. 
“And this one?” asked the saloon- keeper. 

“Sixty cents.” 

He went behind the counter and got the money, and 
paid William, saying: “It is warm; take a glass of beer?” 
William accepted the offer, and on leaving the room, he said: 
_ “I hope you will derive some benefit from those books.” 












THE CITY MISSIONARY. 


On this evening the faithful ones gathered at the house 
of Mr. Orlin. William was requested to lead the meeting. 
\ The question to be discussed was: “How and by what _ 
means can we support the city mission ?” 
This question was put before the people by Mr. Orlin. 

“T think,” said Mr. Orlin, “that we accomplish little or 

F nothing by just visiting the people and ask them to join the 
church and selling books. If we would do good, we must_ 
have money and also distribute provisions among the poor | 
and sick. We can first make use of the Word of God after 
we have done all in our power to help the poor.” 




























They concluded that each and every one should make | 
inquiries in their neighborhood, and let William know where a 
he was needed. A collection was taken up, and Mr. Orlin ei 
appointed treasurer; after this they all joined in an “Our — 
Father,” thereupon they sang ‘the Te Deum: 


We sing to Thee, Thou Son of Gau: 
Thou source of Life and grace! ‘ 
We praise Thee, Son of Man, whose blood 
Redeemed our falien race! 


Thee we acknowledge God and Lord, 
The Lamb for sinners slain ; 
Who art by heaven and earth adored, 

Worthy o’er both to reign ! 





To Thee all angels ery aloud, 
Through heayen’s extended coasts ; 

Hail, holy, holy, holy Lord 
Of glory and of hosts! 


The prophet’s goodly fellowship, — 
In radiant garments dressed, 
- Praise Thee, Thou Son of God, and reap 
3 The fullness of Thy rest. 


= The apostles’ glorious company 
x, Thy righteous praise proclaim ; 


The martyred army glorify 
Thine everlasting name. 
Throughout the world Thy churches j join 
To call on Thee their Head,— 
Brightness of Majesty Abia: 
Who every power hast made! 


Among Thy number, Lord, we love 
To sing Thy precious blood; 

Reign here, and in the world above 
Thou holy Lamb of God! | 





THE CITY MISSIONARY. 107 


5. THE NEW PLAN IS CARRIED OUT. 


\When William arrived in Chicago the next day, a young 
lady met him at the depot, who asked him to please to go along 
with her, as in her neighborhood a man and wife were sick 
abed and needed help. 

He went along, and arriving at the house, entered. 
There he found man and wife afflicted with nervous fever, 
and a little child playing with the cat on the floor. 

William took a seat beside the bed, and asked about 
their circumstances. 

The man told him that when they came from Germany, 
for a long time he was looking for work, but could not find 
any, and on account of not having proper food he was taken 
down sick. His wife had attended him day and night. and 
the doctor, who had a kind heart, begged of the neighbors 
food for them. Yesterday his wife was taken down sick, and 
this brought more misery upon them. 

“Would it not be best if you would go to the hospital?” 
asked William. 

“The doctor thought it best too, but my wife will not 
leave me—now she is sick herself, the good soul.” While 
saying this large tears rolled down his cheeks. 

While talking, the doctor entered; and as William had 
made his acquaintance before, he was warmly welcomed. 

They concluded to take both to the hospital. William 
took charge of them. He hurried to the hospital, and ob- 
tained a certificate of reception; and getting an ambulance, 
he hurried back to the house. They were carried down a 
small stairway, and put into the ambulance. The lady was 
delirious and did not know what was taking place; the child 
screamed, and clung to William’s knees until kind neighbors 
took it with them, after William had promised to call for it 
in the afternoon. Having arrived at the hospital and every- 


108. CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


thing being arranged, William entered the department in 
which the Germans were. 

Oh. the misery! gMen,.women and children, all down 
with some more or less dangerous diseases. 

While walking through the different departments, be 
saw a young lady, with a strikingly beautiful face. 

“Are there Germans in this department?” asked Wil- 
liam. 

“IT am a German myself,” she answered. 

William, upon asking several questions, found out that 
she had been confined more than twelve weeks. Ee asked 
the doctor, who was just passing through the room, what 
ailed her. 

“Nervous fever,” was the reply; “but she belongs to 
those that can be removed; however, he doesn’t know where 
to go, and she is too weak to work.” 

William promised to’ find a place for her, where she 
could remain till she was able to work, and after giving 
books to some of the sick, he left to look for the child. 

What should he do with it? was the question he had 

now to consider. 


The neighbors tnat took the child were members of the 
Rey. Manhart’s church, and a newly erected Orphan Home 
was under its direction. So he took the child to this place, 
and the matron was quite willing to keep the child and get 
the permission afterward. 


It was getting late, and William had ‘not eaten any- 
thing. Good as Mr. Orlin’s plan might be, if it kept on like 
this, he would be obliged to give it over; yet William was 
happy, for he helped to wipe away tears. From the Orphan 
Home he went to Mr. Orlin’s. As he entered the room, Mr. 
Orlin said to him: “What has happened to you, Brother 
William? You look so happy.” 








Se he AE de ee ie ee ~L* t © a Fe) 
. eek OMe sak i Skee hy Be 





< 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 109 


William told him what he had been doing during the 
day. \ 

“Mrs. Orlin, can I get something.to eat, please. I am as 
hungry as a bear; had nothing to eat since six o’clock this 
morning. 

The lady set to work and prepared lunch for William. 

“What shall I do with that poor girl, Mr. Orlin ?” 

“My wife needs help, but if she is too weak, she had 
better go on the farm.” Then after a moment he added: 
“Why, look here, Brother G. could take her for a time.” 

“Surely, I will speak to him.” 

The same evening William, with his wife, went over to | 
their neighbor G., and having explained the circumstances 
to him, he consented to take the poor patient until she was 
able to work. On the following day Mr. G. went after the 
girl and brought her to his pleasant home. She soon recov- 
ered, and while the rest were working on the farm, she made 
herself useful in the house, and every one liked Louise. 

William rode to Chicago every day and visited, and in a 
short time he heard that the sick husband and wife had re- 
covered. : 

He helped the man to get a good situation, and they 
were soon able to take care of themselves and of their child. 

A month had passed and nothing of importance hap- 
pened, when one Sunday afternoon Mrs. G. paid a visit to 
William, her mission being of a peculiar kind. 

“I beg you,” she said, “to get another place for that 
girl.” 

“Why, has she done anything wrong?” 

“No, not that, but she is so good looking, and my sons 
may be tempted; therefore, I would that she leave my house 
as soon as possible.” 

William would have said something, but he knew with 
whom he was dealing. The lady, although good in other re- 


110 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


spects, would not like to see her rich sons marry a poor ser- 
vant girl. 

“Well, send Louise over to-morrow. I will take her to 
the city.” 

After the lady departed, William said to his wife, “Beau- 
ty is not a blessing to a poor girl. I believe Louise is a good 
girl, and G. is rich enough to make her happy, if one of his 
sons has fallen in love with her,, But the ‘almighty dollar’ 
destroys many a persons happiness.”’ 

The next morning Louise came to William’s house. She 
had been crying. 

“Was it so hard for you to leave?” he asked. : 

“Not that as much as for the cause. You can believe me, I 
have given them no occasion to cause suspicion, and as I am 
only eighteen years of age, 1 don’t think of getting married. 
Her sons behaved as gentlemen whenever I was in their 
company, and I can't be angry at them; but I hope that I 
will soon find a place in the city.” 

“T have a place for you at Mrs. Orlin’s.” 

On the same day Louise went to Mrs. Orlin. She 
worked diligently and was obedient. She had very little 
education, but through careful study, she soon acquired all 
she needed. 

She had a great influence over the child of the unfortu- 
nate couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wendel. 

The Bible hours were held regularly, and the best schol- 
ar was Louise. One day she asked William if be would not 
take her along when he visited the sick, for Mrs. Orlin would 
have no objections, after the work was done. But when the 
lady was asked, she simply said “No,” and as she thought, 
had good reasons to forbid it. This did not please Louise, 
and one day when William was at the house, she said to him, 
“T will soon leave here, and I wish you would help me to a 
place where I could wait on the sick.” 








THE CITY MISSIONARY. 111 


William told this to Mr. and Mrs. ie, und aaked them 
for advice. 


\Mrs. Orlin thought that the girl would not suit her, as - 


she had not a strong constitution, and she aiso apprehended 
that there were other motives besides love for the sick that 
prompted her to seek such a position. 

“Then, tell us what you apprehend,” said her husband. 
“T cannot believe that the girl has any other motives than to 
sacrifice herself for the benefit of others; for it is not an 
easy task ; and I don’t think ambition is her motive.” 

“Believe what you will, you always say ‘women have 
Argus eyes.’ Well, believe that we have such eyes. I might 
be wrong, and I hope Iam. I believe it will be the best for 
Louise, if she leaves our bouse, although I like her; for then 
she will be able to earn more money, and have more liberty 
than she has had. She can still make our house her hume. 
There; now let me alone, I will say no more.” y 

The next day William went to the hospital,’ in order to 
get Louise a situation, which he succeeded in doing. He 
took her to her new place, and when William left, she said, 
“Please come now and then, in order that I can attend to my 
soul as well as to the sick.” 

“T will do that, for there is nothing on earth more pre- 
cious than to teach the Word of God.” 

After several days had passed, ikea: called on Mr. 
Orlin and told him about Louise. 

“There, now, I see that my apprehensions were correct- 
The heart of a woman is inscrutable !”’ said Mrs. Orlin. 

“What are you talking about again?” asked her hus- 
band. 

“You will soon find out,” was the answer. 


x>3Op [occ 








CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


6. CHICAGO IN FLAMES. 


The hot Summer had passed. William was patiently 
and diligently working at his hard task. 

Louise was well liked by all, especially those on whom she 
waited during their illness. 

Julia, the oldest daughter of William, was promoted to 
the High School. She lived near the hospital, and in her 
spare time she would visit Louise. 

In the latter part of Summer it was very hot, and in a 
quarter of a year not a drop of rain had fallen. Of the 60,- 
000 buildings that were in Chicago at that time 40,000 were 
frame houses, and the streets were paved with blocks. 

No one thought of anything else but of the harvest, for 
the prospects were good ; they little thought that their pros- 
perous city was doomed, Several times the fire alarm had 
been given, but the brave firemen soon had the flames under 
control; and those houses that were burned down were soon 
replaced by new ones. But on the 7th of October, 1871, 
while the people were preparing to go to rest, they were 
suddenly driven out of their homes by the fire which was 

sweeping through the streets, to find shelter on the prairies, 
while more than 200 were either smothered or burned to 


death. 
William went to 5 aeons on that dreadful night in the par- 


sonage of the Ev. Reformed Church, which stood on Des- 
plaines Street, as he was to preach there the next day, on 
account of the minister’s absence. 

At eleven o clock at night he woke up, and seeing a 
bright flame, he quenly dressed himself, and ran out into 
the street. 

_The fire was in the neighborhood, on Canal Street, a 
short distance from Van Buren. It started at a carpenter 
shop. 











Py 










The wind was blowing tremendously, and the fire was 
spreading toward the north, bringing destruction and ruin to _ 
every@iting it came in contact with. 

In, the short space of two hours an area of more than 
twenty acres was in flames. The whole district, which was 
bounded by Clinton Street on the west, Adams Street on the 


north, Van Buren on the south, and by the river on the east, 


was soon one solid mass of flames. 


More than their lives no one had saved, and they under-. 
stood what Schiller said, in his Seng of the Bell: 


Burnt to ashes is the stead . 
Now the wild storm’s rugged bed. 
In. the empty window panes 
Shudd’ring horror now remains, 
And the clouds of heaven above 
Peep in, as they onward more. 


Upon the grave where buried lies 
His earthly wealth, his longing eyes 
The man one ling’ring moment throws, 
Then, as a pilgrim, gladly goes. 
Whate’er the fierce flames may destroy 
One consolation sweet is left, 
* His loved ones’ heads he counts,—and joy ! 
He is not e’en of one bereft. 
— Bowring. 
William only had a few hours’ rest all night, and im 
the morning he was to preach. He studied his sermon care- 
fully, but that slipped from his memory; he had even for- 
gotten his text. However, he opened the Bible to the 113th 
Psalm, and took for his text the seventh and eighth verses: © 
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy 
out of the dunghill, that he min set eit with princes, even 
with the princes of his people.” 
. Thoughts came to his mind faster than he could express 
them in words. It was a sermon of comfort to all; and_ 








114 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


after he had ended, several of the members came to him and 
congratulated him. In the afternoon William and his daugh- 
ter went to the hospital, in order to comfort the sick and the 
poor. 

In the evening the regular meeting was held at Mr. Or- 
lin’s, after the meeting was over, they spoke of the fire of 
the previous night, but no one thought that this was only. 
the prelude to the great destruction which should yet occur. 

~ When William left the house to take the night train to 
Elmhurst, he was detained; the fire bells again told that the 
fire was not quenched. The stable of a Mr. O'Leary caught 
fire, and in a moment all the surrounding houses were in 
flames. The fire went one block farther than the church in 
which William preached last, to the starting place of the 
previous day’s fire, and it was feared the fire could now be 
quenched. 

Yet while they were in hopes that the fire could not 
proceed for the want of material, the most unexpected thing 
happened. | 

The element, which was checked in its northward course, 
turned to the east, and that which never before had been re- 
corded, took place—even the river could not hem it in; fora 

piece of burning wood was carried across by the wind, which 
fell on the roof of a house, and in a moment large clouds of 
smoke and fire were rising into the air. Again the fire bells 
- gave the alarm, and a cry of horror arose from the lips of all 
who came from the south side as they saw the fire on the 
west, for it cut off all return to their homes. 

The engines forced a way through the crowded streets, 
which added greatly to the excitement. William hurried 
through the Washington Tunnel to the south side, to the 
book store of the ‘“Tractat Gesellschaft,’ for which he was 
working. As no wagons could be got the books were taken 
to the lake shore on wheelbarrows. 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. _ 115 


On the way he witnessed the most fearful scenes. On 
Clark and Lassalle Streets, near Van Buren, were the lowest 
places of the city, and no sooner had the houses caught fire, 
than these people ran half naked into the streets, just in time 
to save their wretched lives. To these the harlots of Jack- 
son and Wall Streets gathered, and while the fire was taking 
its course, the thieves and criminals made use of the oppor- 
tunity by robbing the saloons and private houses where they 
suspected money and jewelry would be found. 

The fire now took its course toward the Court House, in 
which were 150 prisoners, who were set free, after being al- 
most frightened to death. 

The tire came nearer to the lake and crowded the peo- 
ple into the water. Several boats took them up and sailed 
from the shore, and then threw out the anchors. 

Next morning the north side began to burn, and on the 
9th of October six square miles were a smoking ruin. At 9 
o’clock William was set on shore, and he arrived at his home 
at midnight. 





116 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


7. AMONG THE RUINS. 


The next day William rode to the city again, although 
he would have rather stayed at home; but he thought it his 
duty to work in this time and not be idle. 

It was a dark, foggy morning after the dreadful night 
of the 10th of October. The north wind was blowing fur- 
iously over the smoking ruins, though a heavy rain had put 
a stop to the fire. 

Words cannot describe the scene which presented itself 
to the spectator. 


The people were beginning to comprehend what. they 
had lost. Few saved more than their lives and the clothes 
they wore. 

William went to the south side, where the book store of 
the “Tractat Gesellschaft” stood. The beautiful marble halls 
and residences, which seemed to have been built for eternity, 
were thrown down level with the earth. 


Here and there the naked walls of an erstwhile church 
towered sorrowfully into the air. 


Only with difficulty could a person make his way 
through the ruins. William stopped when he came to South 
Water Street. Here the merchandise, which came from dis- 

tant countries, was either covered or destroyed. Fine wines 

from Burgundy, and from the Rhine, and all sorts of fruit, 
tea from China, coffee from Japan, and costly goods from the 
East—nothing could be saved, and only a rancid mass of 
smoke ascended in the air. 


Nothing but the four walls of the Court House were 
standing. In this place “Themis” had her meeting only a 
few days before, who had a large number of scribes em- 
ployed, in order to keep the city and county machines mov- 
ing. This place was now a prey to the raging fire, and the 











THE CITY MISSIONARY. 117 


howling wind played and sang its own strange melody 
through the ragged walls. 

South Clark Street presented the same sights—nothing 
but destruction and ruin. 

The Post Office in the distance appeared as if the fire 
had not touched it, but when William came nearer, he saw 
that his eyes had deceived him. Everything within was de- 
stroyed. 

The Tax and Loan Association occupied the second 
floor of this building. This part was build on iron pillars, 
which were fastened to the lower building with iron bolts. 
It was built with fire brick, and at the time of the fire there 
were $2,130,000, of which $300,000 were in silver and gold, 
in this part of the building. 

When the fire took hold of the building, the bars melted 
like lead, and the building tumbled down with a crash. 

Another building, constructed similar to the Post Office, 
was the Tribune building, where the Daily Tribune was pub- 
lished. While William was walking along from place to 
place, he saw several men at work putting up signs and re- 
moval notices. “Inexhaustible spirit of enterprise,’ he mur- 
mured to himself, when suddenly he heard some one calling: 
“Hello, Professor, which way ?” 

He looked around and saw a friend of his, who belonged 
to the Union congregation. He was a wine dealer, but the 
fire had destroyed nearly all of his property, so he set to 
work to build a hut with what boards he could find. 

“What are you doing ?” asked William. 

‘Well, the fire has destroyed everything, and I lost all 
except my house, which is on the southwest side, so I made 
up my mind to put up a hut; for the workmen will surely be 
hungry and thirsty while taking these ruins away andcleaning 
up; and as this is the place where my sample room stood, i 
will put up a shanty and deal out beer and wine, and my 





118 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


wife will fix up lunches. I have no time to think of my loss, 
for that would only make things worse.” 

While yet speaking, his wife and a half grown up girl 
arrived with baskets. 

“Now, Professor, sit Kail awit we will have a dinner.” 

“Sit down? I guess so.” They soon had things ar- 
ranged, using stones for a table and stones for seats. 

“People with such patience and energy cannot perish,” 
thought William. And he was right, for in a few years’ 
time he had his business “moving” again. After finishing 
_ their meal, William departed. He went toward Wabash 
Avenue. 

On this street the Tractat Gesellschaft had its book store, 
but William could not place the building; everything was 
desolated, 

The trees, bereft of their leaves, which surrounded the 
“Corso” of the beautiful garden city, were standing pitifully 
erect. Everything was destroyed! 

Where is the beautiful Michigan Avenue, the “Fauburg 
St. Germain, Chicago?” The ruins answered the question. 

The places where the Sherman and Tremont houses, the 
Clarendon Hotal, that giant building which was first finished 
and built by Ogden, and occupied a block, the Palmer house, 
and a great number of others, all were destroyed, and only 
the smoking ruins indicated their whereabouts. 

Have patience, dear reader, for as I write these scenes 
come back to my memory. and I must fain put these on 
paper. 

Before William went over to the west side, he took a 
look at the southern part of State Street, where, near the 
rich Nabobs, vice had set up his kingdom; where they were 
celebrating the feast of Bacchus just as the fire was breaking 
out in the neighborhood, and all ram half naked into the 
street. How changed the scene appeared. 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. RN yi! | 


They were just a work taking the dead bodies out of the 
ruins. The most of these people were a curse to mankind, 
but who shall throw the first stone? Are not those also re-— 
sponsible that make use of such places? 

On the north side it looked like a desert, for though not 
as interesting a sight as the south side ruins, it made the 
heart feel sadder, for the homes of happy families stood 
there, and now only one house was untouched, and this was 
the residence of one of the richest men in Chicago, M. B. 
Ogden. While the houses and huts of the workmen, and 
the churches of the city were totally burned, the house of 
this millionaire was not even as much as scorched.. 

The north side was exclusively inhabited by Germans. 
There were no marble palaces and. emporiums of commerce 
in this part of the city, only poor German workmen, who 
had built up their bumble coitages, and to these the loss of 
their homes was intolerable. 

To the rich, hands and pocketbooks were opened; but 
no one seemed to care for these poor Germans. By hard 
work they had earned every cent they possessed, and now 
they were ruined. But they would not beg; the ambition 
. to have homes of their own gave them courage, and they 
worked. 

Thousands of the people wept, not only because all of 
their means were taken from them, but the remembrance of 
happy days pressed out a tear, even from the coldest heart. 
William went from group to group, and brought comfort to 
many hearts, for he knew the most of them. 

It was late when he left the place of horror, and went 
to his friend Mr. Orlin, as his house was on that side of the 
city where the fire had done no damage. Many of the old 
friends gathered there, who had lost everything; for Mr. Or- 
lin told them that as long as his house stood they could find 
shelter in it. 


a 

































- CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


With great calmness they counseled as to what pba be 
_ done for the good of these poor people. 

Atter they had partaken of a frugal ‘supper, William 
“asked. the blessing and read the first chapter of the Lamenta- 
tions of Jeremiah: 

“How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! 
How she is become as a widow! She that was great among 
the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she 
become tributary ! 

“She wéepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her 
_ cheeks: among all her lovers she has none to comfort her; 
all her friends have dealt ireacherously with “pies they are 
~ become her enemies,” ete. 

': William explained how this had been the case with 
_ Jerusalem, and as it was later again build up, so shall it be 
with this city, he said;. therefore let us not put our Lands to 
the plow and then look back, but let us work on, right on, 
as long as it is day. 
At the close they sang: 

“Jehovah reigns: His throne is high, 

His robes are light and majesty: 


His glory shines with beams so bright, 
No mortal can sustain the sight. 


“His terrors keep the world in awe; 
His justice guards His holy law ; 5 
His love reveals a smiling face ; 

His truth and promise seal the grace. 


“Thro’ all His works what wisdem shines! 
He baffles Satan’s deep designs ; 

His power is sovereign to fulfil 

The noblest counsels of His will. 


“And will this glorious Lord descend 
To bemy Father and my Friend? 
Then let my song with angels join, 
Heaven is secure, if God is mine.” 








It was midnight when William arrived at his home near — 





Elmhurst. He rehearsed in his spirit the experiences of the — 


last days. He had been in war, and cholera epidemics, in 
dangers by land and sea, but the worst of all that he igi 
ever seen, was the fire in Chicago. 

As he approached his humble home, his daughters came 
to meet him. The oldest one, Julia, had come home, because — 
the school at Chicago had temporarily been closed. 

“Guess, papa, who came to us,” said Marie. 

“No, my dear child, I can’t guess, and we shall soon I 
be at home, then I will find out who came,’ William an- 
swered. 


After they entered the house, William was welcomed by 


a large, robust man. He remembered him, for he was a_ 
member of the Union Church in Chicago. Me 

“I come to you, my friend, as I have lost everything, | 
even my wife and child,’ he said; and large tears were 
rolling down his cheeks. 

“Be of good cheer. Tell me your misfortunes. I hope 
that you are only separated from your dear ones, and that 
we shall find them again,” replied William. 

After the man rested himself a little, he began to tell 
his story. He had charge of the bridge on Randolph Street, 
and was away from his people during the day. On Saturday 
he had the afternoon free, and this chance he took to buy a _ 


house on the southwest side. He took all of his deposits out = 


ot the bank; the sum of which amounted to $1,200. When 
the fire began on the south side, his co-worker and himself 
opened the bridge so that the fire. could not cross, but at. 
midnight the bridge caught fire and the men had to save 
their lives by swimming to the shore. He was looking for 





¥22 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


his people all day on the prairie, but could not find them, 
and then made the distance to WilJlam’s house on foot. 

For several days William and his friend had very little 
rest, and took but little nourishment, while seeking for the 
missing wife and little one. Alhghting at Park station the 
next morning, they left the train and went toward the north. 
After walking about a halt hour they met a crowd of pros- 
titutes, who were camping in the fields. Wagons with pro- 
visions bad just arrived, and the food was being handed 
around. Large fires were made to cook it, while some 
thought 1t best to eat their victuals uncooked. 

Our friends went through the maze looking for the lost 
ones, but they could find no trace of them. As they came 
near the lake shore, William was addressed by: a weep Re 

man: “O teacher, come into my camp, my wife is dying.’ 

William Kinebatl and after his eyes had become accus- 
tomed to the darkness of the room, he saw a lady lying on 
straw, and several others standing around. The woman 
only gave one look to her husband, then said: “Come, kiss. 
me, and then fare thee well!” 

The man fell upon bis knees beside the sick woman, and 
as he kissed her she expired. 

The lady called her husband “Itzig.” One can easily 
conclude that they were Israelites, but the women standing 
around were not of that people. 

Oh, how does want and misery teach man to love his. 
ibighbor! After the man rose, a noise was heard. 

“What is that?” asked William. 

“Oh, my wife was taken down sick on the same night 
the fire broke out, and she gave birth to a little girl,” he an- 
swered. 

“Where is the child?’ William continued. One of the 
ladies took the child, a pretty, black-eyed girl, and gave it to. 
William. “I will take it with me, for here on the prairie it 


t 


i UEP SV gh 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 123 


would perish, and you can call and get it any time you wish, 
for you\know where I live, in Elmhurst, Dupage county.”’ 

“God bless you for that,” said the man, and sat down on 
the ground by his dead wife’s side. 

The reader will remember that there was an Israelite 
whom William met at the birthday party, who asked Wil- 
liam what he thought of Voigt? This was the same man, 
but he was now indeed a different person in the full sense of 
the word. 

When he left the tent, his friend waited for him, and as 
they passed through the crowded streets, a little girl came 
running toward them, crying out: “Papa, dear papa!” and 
in a short time the father pressed his dear child, whom he 
thought dead, in his arms. : 

“Where is mama?” he asked. 

“Don’t know,” the child answered. “When our house— 
began to burn, mama told me to run out on the street; that 
she would soon come after me. She wanted to take the 
money. Iran out on the street. Mrs. L. took me by the 
hand, and we ran away. We went over the bridge to the 
north side. {[ was crying for mama, but I did not see her.” 

“Oh, my dear little Theresa, let us hope that we may find 
mama alive,” he said, and then taking his child, which was 
about five years of age, by the hand, they went to the south 
side. There he wanted to leave the child at present till he | 
went home. It was noon when they arrived at Mr. Orlin’s, 
and as they entered they found them at dinner, and they 
were invited to partake of it with them, which they gladly 
did. William gave the little babe to Mrs. Orlin. It was fast 
asleep; she put it into a warm bed, and the adopted daugh- 
ter had to get some milk for little Theresa. 

After they had eaten, William said to the man: “fam 
going to the county hospital; will you go along? We may 
find your wife there.” 





- CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


He consented; they wanted to leave little Theresa with 

Mrs. Orlin, but the little girl begged so that she was allowed 

to go. It was well that the hospital was no more than about 

a mile and a half away, for to ride there no one had a chance. 

What misery! The rooms were crowded with people! 

- Louise met our friends, and said that for three days she bad 
had no rest. 


William and his friend went from room to room. Most 
of the patients were burned and much disfigured, therefore 
William asked, “Is Mrs M. here ?” 

In the last room a weak voice was heard, which said: 
«“That’s my name.” 

The man and his daughter pushed themselves through 
between the beds, falling upon his knees beside the bed of 
his wife, he took her hands, but could not utter one word, 
for the greatest joy is known to be silent. 


. After he had composed himself his wife told him what 
chad happened. She had taken the money and run into the 
street, and looking around for her daughter she could not see 
her, because the lady had just turned the corner with the 
child, and while trying to follow them her clothes caught 
fire. Rolling on the ground she tried to extinguish the 
flames. The people passed by, some even stumbling over 
her, and she was unconscious of what happened farther un- 
til she found herself in the hospital under treatment. The 
woman was fearfully burned, but the physicians hoped that 
she would recover, since the wounds had not gone too deep. 

“The money either burned or got lost” she said. 

“Never mind that,” her husband answered ; “let us hope 
and pray that God Ae spare your life, then it is well; for 
we will begin anew.’ 

Late in the afternoon cus departed. William went 
after the little Jewish girl at Mrs. Orlin’s. 





































THE cITy MISSIONARY, ; 


William’s wife, Julia, was sitting near the window when 
they arrived. 

“Papa, what have you in your arms ?” asked little Marie, 
the youngest daughter of William. . 

“Guess once.” 

“Did you bring my doll that I gave to the little Orlin ?” 

“Oh, no; no doll, but a live one.” 

He told them he came to get the little babe. His wife 
took care of it, and it was good that she had some clothing 
for the little girl, She was one of those women that save 
all such trifles, even it she did not need them herself. 

“Papa, what is the baby’s name?” asked Marie. 

“I think we will call her Ruth.” 

“Ruth,—why that’s a Jewish name.” 

“Surely, my child, the baby is from Jewish parents.” 

“A Jewish child? Weill, we will have it baptized and 
then it will be a Christian.” 

“But the father will come and get it again.” 

“Oh, it’s too bad that it doesn’t belong to us. Has it no 
mamma?” 

“Her mamma died.” 

“Poor thing, you have no more a mamma.” 

A good supper was prepared, and after they had finished, 
William read the 103rd Psalm: ! 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, 
bless his holy name. 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his bene- 
fits. 

“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy 
distress ; 

“Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crown- 
eth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies ; 

“Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that 
thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” 


126 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


9. MEETINGS BETWEEN THE RUINS. 


The next day William wentalone to the city. Arriving 
there, he went through the tunnel on the west side, and so 
reached the ruins on the south side of the city. He went 
towards the lake shore where they had stacked up the books. 
Here he met the clerk of the company, who was busy look- 
ing through the burned books. After they had greeted each 
other, William asked: “What are you looking for ?” 


. “T would like to save some of the half-burned books in 
remembrance of the fire, but I can’t find any.” 


“Does not that box yonder belong to the company ?” 

“Sure; that’s a good find.” 

They set to work to examine the contents, and found 
that most of the books were yet in good condition. 


They were works of a religious character, and written 
in German. After having assorted them, the men set to 
work to bring them to the headquarters of the company, a 
church on Wabash Ave. Arriving there, they found the 
first consignment of books from New York. The desks were 
all fixed, so that everything was in order by noon. 

William took his portfolio and went his way. 

He did not go to the part of the city that was unde- 
stroyed, but as Jeremiah who was among the ruins of Jeru- 
salem, so he walked about the ruins of Chicago. 


His lamentations were not heard, for a joyful spirit came 
over him. He knew that sorrow could do no. good in such 
cases ; he felt as George Neumark, who said: 


‘as helfen alle schweren Sorgen, 
Was hilft uns unser Weh und Ach, 
Was hilft es, dass wir alle Morgen, 

* Beseufzen unser Ungemach ? 
Wir machen unser Kreuz und Leid, 
Nur groesser, durch die Traurigkeit. 


” - or so >} ino psy - S.. es i” fy FT er ee =~ «§ ( oes Tue cg, wy tae YT fee | Eee ae oe - Py 
wt AVA Pein aided ila "Reais dies Ue al eater ere | an oO A alee ai Sg a Brn fs ark ots Met 
se ae 0d Gg ee eat A "Sf . : 4] ve 7a A ayy phd oe! 
‘ iJ ‘ * , 


ati $7; si tise Ay Gee Beg 7 i Pep etm 


eS: 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 127 


While walking along and looking about, a man, who 
was covered with dust, and who had a division of men work- 
ing under him, called to William. He looked up, and knew 
at once who it was—the teacher of Doctor Adolphus’ High 
School, who taught the primary classes. The poor young 
fellow also saved nothing but his life, but with admirable 
energy he set about the work,'and having more knowledge 
than the rest, he was made foreman. ~ 

“Ts it not so, Brother William,” he said, “a schoolmaster 
is capable otf doing any kind ‘of work, if required, even to 
take away the ruins of a city?” 

It was now dinner time, and they went to the saloon- 
keeper of whom we have spoken, to eat it. Then William 
divided out his books. 

“We have other business to attend to than to buy and to 
read books,” was the remark made by one of the gentlemen. 

“IT know that,” William answered, “and I did not say 
that you should buy one. Those that want one may have it 
free of charge.” 

“We can’t use that trash.” 

“Well, my friend, I believe this to be exactly the thing 
you need in your trouble. Here is a whole package of Testa- 
ments ;” and he gave each one a copy. 

“You must not forget to read them when you get home,” 
William said, as they went to their work, and William went 
back to the north side with his empty portfolio. 

On his way he met an acquaintance, one of the young 
ladies that he met at the house of Dr. Adolphus, and who 
was also present when the unfortunate officer, Von Wendel, 
shot himself. 

As she was walking along, she looked down as if look- 
ing for something. 

William recognized her and addressed her: “Which way, 
my dear miss? Has the fire also made you homeless ?” 





Serene IN TE ARS AND SMILES. 


‘ 


“Ah! ’tis you, Brother William. Yes, the fire has visit- 


- edme. I lost my home, and probably, also, my sister. My 





' parents are dead, as you know.” 

“How did it happen? But that you can relate to me 
later on. Next, excuse the question: Have you shelter?” 
“No, I have spent the nights on the prairie. I was go- 

ing to look for a place to-day.” 

“Well, my dear miss, I think it was the will of God that 
we should meet, in order that I can help yoa to a place, and 
that you may again take part of the fruits of Christianity.” 

“I hope it may be so, but where will you take me ?” 

“To Mrs. Orlin.” ; 

“I'll go along; why didn’ t I think of her at once. She 
_ also belonged to those that .were attached to the Doctor, but 

found him out before I did. 1 know that she will shelter me 
for the present. In a short time I will have a nice little 
home, as my father’s property is coming to me.” 

They soon arrived at the house, and received a cordial 
welcome, and after supper the girl, we will call her Theresa, 
told us her sad story. 

“It was midnight, when my sister and I were disturbed 

in our sleep by a strange noise. ‘Great God!’ we cried, as 

we jumped out of bed. The fire was in our neighbourhood 

and it came nearer and nearer to our place. ‘Are we in dan- 

ger?’ we asked ourselves. We saw how the people were 
crowding along the street, crying and swearing. 

“The whole city west and southward was in flames. 
Where were the fire engines? Why do we not hear them? 
A knock at the door made us aware of our dangerous posi- 
tion. ‘Get yourselves ready! Pack your trunks and be 
ready to leave the house at any moment. The fire may not 
come this far, but it’s best to be ready.’ It wasafriend from 
the south side who came to warn us of the danger which we 
were in. 





THE CITY MISSIONARY. 129 


“We looked at each other; our faces were pale. 


“A sick relative was in the other room, he was insane, 
and excitement must be hindered. If we called him, what 
would be the result of this calamity? We agreed to wait 
till the last moment. We packed several valuable things in 
a trunk, and then watched the fire, which was constantly ap- 
proaching. 

“A strange sound came to our ears; then for a moment. 
the crowd on the street was still. 


“Did it thunder? No, the sky was clear and the stars: 
all shining brightly ; we shivered at the thought; it was am 
explosion; as we were watching the sparks of the powder, 
which were falling as rain, heavy knocks at our door told us: 
that we had no time to lose. ‘Call Charles. Don’t leave: 
him 1n his room one moment longer,’ I called to my sister. 
‘I will try to save our birds.” My sister ran to wake Charles,. 
while 1 ran down staias. How it grieved me as I went 
through our parlor. On one of the tables lay the Bible of — 
my deceased father, printed in 1637; upon another some of 
my valuable books. Which should I take? First I picked 
up one, then another, ard then threw them down again. 
‘Resi, give me a cracker,’ my old polly cried, and this gave. 
me consciousness again. I will save you, my pet, if it cost. 
my life, 1 said to myself; but I could not carry that large: . 
cage. 1 looked up and saw my little canary bird. Quickly 
I opened the window and left it fly, and put the parrot into 
the little cage. This way I rushed out on the street. “What. 
a sight did our beautiful Elsie Street present tome! As far as. 
the eye could see, there was nothing buta waving, approach- 
ing blaze, like a large mass of fiery demons. There was no 
wagon in which we could entice Charles to enter, although 
heavy wagons passed us which were laden with people and 
articles of all kind. There was no hope nor help for the 

ae 


130 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


valuables of the people. What we could not carry we nad 
to leave behind. 

“Just as my sister left the house with Charles, who was 
quiet, I also left the house with polly and a bag, in which I 
had some money and jewels. 

“Our friend at last came to our help. He and my sister 
were carrying a trunk, while I was trying to get Charles to 
follow us. 

“ «Come, I said to him, ‘let us go.’ 

“Where to? Iam not going, what’s the use?’ 

“T urged him onward; 1 begged him, cried, threw my- 
self upon my knees and asked him, but he would not move; 
he wanted to go back into the house. 

“T held him back, and begged him to run and save his 
life, but all in vain; he stood there like a rock, while the 
flames were coming nearer. The clamor of the crowd was 
something terrible to behold, and my clothes began to burn. 
I did not know what to do. I took Charles by the arm to 
pull him along with me, but what is the strength of a girl? 
Then further shouting and screaming was heard, and more 
crowding as a wall fell. I was pulled along with the crowd 
about a block. Charles had disappeared. 

“How I passed the rest of that night I do not know. 

“I went on, looking about for Charles, but without avail. 
Three hours had passed of which I could give no account. 

“Faces passed me which I knew, but they seemed as if 
they were dreaming, black and disfigured, with an expression 
which only the greatest agony could cause. At last morning 
dawned, and as the sun arose, I arrived at the prairie, and 
while looking around for my sister and friend, a strange 
sight opened itself to me, —Charles was in front of me, look- 
ing almost careless at the things which were taxing place. 

«<Did you think I was such a fool as to let myself 
burn?’ he asked me. He found shelter in a farm house near 


“THE ory "MISSIONARY. 


the cy. 1 He is also viking care of my polly: But Sh my q 
friend and sister I have neither heard nor seen anything, 
‘and I fear they must have been killed.” 

“I do not think so,” said William, “she has certainly 


gone with her friend to the south side, aad may be looking _ 


for you. Let us rest for sine nae to-morrow we will look 
for your friend and sister.” 
William remained in Chicago that night. 





132 ’ CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


10. ONCE MORE IN THE COUNTY HOSPITAL. 


When William entered the dining room the next morn- 
ing, Mrs. Orlin told him that the young girl had taken sick, 
and had sent for a doctor. While they were at breaktast the 
doctor arrived, and after a short time he returned, saying the 
girl would have nervous fever and must be taken to the hos- 
pital as soon as possible, as one could not expect to give the 
right kind of treatment in such a time as this. William 
hurried to a friend of his for horse and buggy, which he will- 
ingly let him have. 

The disease was already in its first stage. 

“It’s burning! Come Charles, come!” she cried. 

Mrs. Orlin tried to hold her, but she pushed her from 
the bed. Then being exhausted, she fell back upon her pil- 
low. 

William wrapped all the covers around her, and with 
the aid of Mrs. Orlin, put her into a large blanket. He then 
took her on his arm and carried her into the carraige, and 
seated himself beside her, while the coachman made the 
horses run full speed to! the hospital. But as William had 
no certificate from the county authority, they were unwilling 
to accept her; but when William had explained to them how 
things were, they let it pass. Two nurses were called, who 
carried her into a large hall which was especially adapted for 
those afflicted with typhoid fever. 

On enquiring about Louise, William was informed that 
she was also down with nervous fever, and in the same room 
in which Theresa was to be brought. As he followed the 
nurses along the rows of beds he saw that there was only 
one more that was empty, and it stood beside the one in 
which Louise was. In this bed they put Theresa. 

After everything was arranged, William took a seat be- 
tween the beds. He took hold of Louise’s hand to feel her 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 133 


pulse, when with a frightened look she uttered some inarti- 
culate words, and began to sing, not loud, but very plainly : 

‘Jesus, I come to Thee, 

A sinner doomed to die; 
My only refuge is Thy cross, 
Here at Thy feet I lie.” 
“Should this be an omen of death?” William asked him- 
self After a short time she began again : 
‘‘O Paradise, sweet Paradise, 
- From scenes of earth we long to rise ; 
O Paradise, bright Paradise, 
Where Jesus reigns beyond the skies.’’ 

Again she opened her eyes, and William asked her : 

“Do you know me, Louise ?’ 

“Yes, 1 know you. I knew that we would meet in 
heaven.” 

“In heaven? We are on earth yet, dear girl.” 

“On earth yet?—on earth yet? Can't be!” 

After this she again fell into a restless sleep. 

Theresa was also sleeping, and her pulse was beating 
very fast. 

William watched them both attentively. Both were 
beautiful, though of different types. Louise was a Northern 
girl with blonde hair and snow-white complexion, heightened 
by the unnatural flush of fever upon her cheeks. Theresa 
was dark and of a genuine American type. Her hair was 
cut after the fashion, short and curled. Her skin was some- 
what transparent, like wax. Her cheeks also were red from 
the fever. 

It is true what David says: “Man is hke unto a flower 
upon the field,’ “beautiful as a flower!” William thought. 
“But the other is also not less true, ‘If the wind passes over 
them they are no more, and their place cannot be found.’ ”’ 
The storm wishes to destroy these pretty flowers. 


134 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


William left the hospital to bring the news of Louise’s 
illness to Mrs. Orlin. He loved the girl as a father loves his 
own, and he said if she should recover he would take care of 
- her and be a father to her. 

After Mrs. Orlin heard the sad news, she said, “I told 
her that she was too weak for that work; but it may be well 
if God calls her home.” 

“Why?” William and ber husband asked. 

“Spare me of giving an answer. If she should die I 
will keep the secret to myself,’ was the reply. So the others 
had to be satisfied with the answer. 

After dinner they went to the hospital. 

As soon as they arrived, another victim of that dread 
malady was brought, and William knew at once that it was 
the sister of Theresa. 

He asked that she be put in the bed beside her sister, so 
that he could see all three at the same time, and if they 
should recover, comfort each other. The bed beside Theresa 
in which an elderly lady was laid, was fuse to another 
part of the room. 

After opening ner eyes, she recognized her sister. Her 
features brightened. 

William went to her and asked: “Do you know me, 
miss ?” 

“Certainly,—how did my sister come here?” asked Au- 
gusta, as we will call her. 

William told her where and when he met her, and that 
she first took sick this morning, and was brought there by 
him. 
Augusta wanted to waken her sister, but William forbade 
her, and told her not to excite herself, as she needed rest. 

“T will not get sick, for I have found my sister ; the anx- 
iety for her made me sick. The doctor thought I would get 
nervous fever, but I am sure I will not.” She said this with 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 135 


great confidence, and as she looked so calm, no one doubted 
her words. William called the doctor and explained these 
things to him, and upon further examining her, he affirmed 
what she expressed. 
*k ? x . x " x 

A week after these happenings we find part of our ac- 
quaintances gathered around the beds of Louise and There- 
sa. Augusta was not seriously ill, and had carefully at- 
tended her sister and Louise with great love and care. It 
was evening, and both physicians “had given them up.” 
This was expected to be their last might. They were lying 
there as 1f death had already entered, but close observation 
proved that their systems were desperately fighting with 
death. At eight o’clock most of the friends left the room, 
William and his daughter and Augusta only remaining. 

Shortly after he went down into’ the apothecary’s shop 
in the hospital, and found one of the physicians, and asked : 
“How long do you think the girls can live ?” 

“Louise two hours, Theresa somewhat longer.” 

“Are you certain that their nature is not strong enough 
to conquer this disease?” ‘ 

“f do not think so. Louise's constitution is delicate, and 
Theresa has lost considerable during her sickness. Never- 
theless, nothing is impossible for God.” 

“Doctor, please give me a little sherry—Madeira—wine 
for the sick.” 

“That might keep death away a little longer.” 


“Or help them over the crisis. I had a friend in Ger- 
many who often used it with great success.” 


“I will give you what you asked for. It matters noth- 
ing 1f death comes an hour sooner or later; they will cer- 
tainly die.” 

William took the wine, drank some of it himself, and 
went back into the sick room. The hot temperature of the 


\ 


136 ~ CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES, 


fever had left, but their pulse was irregular and slow. Wil- 
liam comforted them, directed them to Him who had _ pre- 
pared a place for them. He then mixed a little wine with 
water and gave it to Louise, and then to Theresa, and both 
drank very: quickly, for they were thirsty, as they said. 
Julia, William’s daughter, and Augusta went into the front 
room to take a nap, for nature required it. William re- 
mained with the sick ones. They slept as soundly as a child 
in its mother’s arms. He could scarcely hear them breathe. 

“Will they slumber into eternity ?” he asked himself. 
He prayed for the lives of these girls. Why? Was it not 
better to pass from this life into a better one? The time 
passed away slowly, the most of the sick slept, and the 
nurses had all gone to bed. 

Midnight passed, and they still slept on. Their breath- 
ing was more regular. It struck one—two—three, still they 
slept. The critical hours were passed. At four o'clock the 
doctor who had spoken to William came up. He motioned 
to him to come to the bed, and felt their pulse, then looked 
at William and said, “The crisis is over; they will recover. 
I begin to believe in miracles. How much wine did you 
give them?” 

“One tablespoonful, with water mixed.” 

“One spoonful? I would never have permitted that, if 
I had been here.” 

“But it helped.” 

“Yes, helped—wonderfully.” ~ 

“T have wrestled with God in prayer for them.” 

«They will recover, whether by the power of your 
prayer or of the medicine, [ know not; God knows.” After 
saying this he left the room. As the morning dawned, and 
the sun poured his rays upon the sick, Louise awoke. At 
first she knew not what to say. 

“O how peacefully I have rested,’’ she said. 


~ 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 137 


Shortly after Theresa also awoke, and asked for some- 
thing to drink, which was brought her. 

Julia and Augusta were called, and were glad to see that 
they were rescued from death. 

As it was Saturday, William and his daughter returned 
to Elmhurst to rest over Sunday. 





138 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


11 A SUNDAY IN ELMHURST. 


Let us lead you, dear reader, out of Chicago to the 
beautiful city of Elmhurst. ; 

Several weeks have passed away, and Winter has again 
made its way through and covered the earth with its white 
shect. 

It was the second Sunday in December, when Wilham 
was able to be at home with bis family. He had preached 
almost every Sunday in the church on Desplaines Street, but 
to-day a minister was to preach his trial sermon, and in this 
way it happened that William had this Sunday to bimself. 

Louise, Theresa and her sister, Augusta, were at the 
home of William on a visit. At nine o’clock they made 
ready to go to church, which was about two miles distant: 

The weather was lovely, the sun was shining from the 
cloudless sky, and on the trees ice crystals were hanging, in 
which the rays of the sun were reflected. It was a beautiful 
Winter day. 

The farmers came from all directions, with their fami- 
lies, some with sleighs and some with wagons, all going to 
the same place to which our merry wanderers were going. 

It was grand to see so many people assemble in church, 
and William felt somewhat proud of being father, as he sel- 
dom had a chance to go out with his family. 

“Papa,” said his little Marie, “it was much nicer while 
you were school teacher, for then we always went to church 
together.” 

“Yes, my child, you are right; but we must take things. 
as they come, for ‘tis God's will. If we had everything our 
own way, it would not be good. But I think I can be with 
you every other Sunday, as next Sunday the election will 
take place, and the congregation will have a minister, and. 
then I shall have more time.” 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 139 


The bells commenced to ring, inviting the people to 
“Come.” Inashort time they reached church. William’s 
opponent was yet minister of this congregation, but that did 
not hinder them from coming to hear God’s word, and as his 
subject was the second coming of the Lord, they listened 
very attentively. 

“The Lord will come! but not the same 
As once in lowly form He came,— 


A silent Lamb before His foes, 
A weary man, and fuil of woes. 


“The Lord will come! A dreadful form, 
With wreath of flame, and robe of storm, 
On cherub wings, and wings of wind, 
Anointed Judge of human kind!” 

These were the closing words of the opening hymn, and 
they touched the heart of the city missionary, so that he in 
his heart sang the next verse : 

‘*Whuile sinners in despair shall call, 
‘Rocks, hide us! mountains, on us fail!’ 
The saints ascending from the tomb, 
Shall sing for joy, “The Lord has come!”’ 

After the service our friends made there way home to 
their little cottage, where bis wife had provided a regular 
country dinner, consisting of eggs, ham, bread and coffee, as 
it does not require much time to prepare. His wife was not 
altogether satisfied with such a dinner, but when she com- 
plained, William would say: “If you are tired of eating eggs 
and ham, why, for a change, you can eat ham and eggs ;” 
and she had to be contented. After dinner they agreed to 
go to the seminary and attend prayer-meeting, but as they 
were getting ready, little Marie cried out, “Papa, look at the 
sleighs!”’ 

They looked out of the window, and to their great as- 
tonishment saw more than half a dozen sleighs. 


140 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


The friends were welcomed by his family and himself: 

Besides the other old friends, and Mr. and Mrs. Orlin, 
several of the members of the Desplaines Street Church also 
came along. They brought with them happy hearts, and 
their cheeks were flushed from the wind, making them look 
like blooming red roses. 

After the horses were taken care of, they went into the 
room. The ladies took their baskets and went into the 
kitchen and made a fire, without saying a word, while the 
gents were busy in bringing bottles into the room; and 
while the giris were setting the table, the gents began to put 

“the bottles on it, and one of them said: 

“Just like in Germuinie, ‘ant so?” 

William and his wife looked on without saying a word. 
The food was soon on the table, and the two fine turkeys 
looked too tempting for anything. 

William and family were invited to dine with their visi- 
tors. The young German that made the remark before could 
not help repeating it: 

“Surely, just like in Germinie, mit die exception of dic 
durkeys,”’ he said. 

“Brother William,’ said one of the visitors, “next Sun- 
day you will preach a trial sermon, as it is the wish of many 
that you beconie our pastor.” 

“Dear brother, that will not do, as I do not belong to 
your Synod, nor to any denomination, and your church 
would much rather choose one out of its midst.” 

“Maybe, but we think, as you do not belong to any de- 
nomination, you can join our Synod, and we know it will 
certainly accept you as a member.” 

“This proposition comes too sudden; we must leave 
things as they are for a while, and if it is the will of God 
that I should be your pastor, He will smooth the way; if 
not, He will draw a fence around it.” 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 141 


During this conversation dinner was finished, and as the 
weather was fine, they agreed to take a sleigh ride. Of 
course, this was their main object, for all took part except 
William and his wife. After all had departed, William asked 
his wife: “Well, Hans,” (he always called her Hans when 
alone,) “what do you think of that motion; would you like 
to be a minister’s wife ?” 

“I would much rather stay where I am, although it 
would be best for you to get settled down, in case they should 
choose you, and we could be more contented, for we could 
look into the future with greater confidence, and we would 
be more together.” 

“You are right. Well, next Sunday I will preach my 
trial sermon, and as the members know my order of preach- 
ing, there can be no trial sermon, but I will tell them what 
they need, and if they can stand it, and choose me, then, cer- 
tainly I'll accept the call.” 

The afternoon passed quickly, for soon the happy crowd 
returned, and after all had taken a cup of coffee, they de- 
parted. 

“Farewell!” they all shouted. 

“Sure, just like in Germinie,” the German shouted back 
to William. ; 

“We hope that in a short time you will be in our midst 
again,” said Mr. Orlin. 

“Good-bye, pastor!’ cried a young girl. Then every- 
thing began to get quiet. 

“To Chicago again,” said Julia and Marie, “we are glad 
of it.” 

“Oh, we are not there yet, girls,” said William. 

“Papa,” said little Marie, “Mrs. Orlin and all our friends 
said if you should be pastor at the Desplaines Street Church 
they would all join, that would be so nice.” 

. “Children, we must leave this to the Lord.” 


142 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


12. THE VOTING FOR A MINISTER IN THE DESPLAINES 
STREET CHURCH. 


The next Sanday William went to Chicago to preach his 
trial sermon. He worked it out and memorized it well. At 
the station, several friends met him and accompanied him to 
church. The whole church was filled. After the first song, 
“Alone glory to God in the highest!’ was sung, and a chap- 
ter read, William gave out the choral: 


Do not I love Thee, O my Lord ? 
Behold my heart and see ; 

And turn the dearest idol out 
That dares to rival Thee. 


Do not I love Thee from my soul? 
Then let me nothing love: 

Dead be my heart to every joy 
When Jesus cannot move. 


Is not Thy name melodious still 
To mine attentive ear? 

Doth not each pulse with pleasure bound 
My Saviour’s voice to hear? 


Hast thou a lamb in all Thy flock 

I would disdain to feed ? 
Hast Thou a foe before whose face 

I fear Thy cause to plead? 


Would not my heart pour forth its blood 
In honor of Thy name? 

And challenge the cold hand of death 
To damp the immortal flame? 


Thou know’st I love Thee, dearest Lord ; 
But, oh! I long to soar 

Far from the sphere of mortal joys, 
And learn to love Thee more. 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 143 


While the congrtgation was singing the last verse, Wil- 
liam mounted the pulpit. His text was taken from Matth. 
5; 20-26: 

“For Isay unto you,- That except your righteousness 
shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, 
ye shall not enter the kingdom of God. 

“Ye have heard that 1t was said by them of old time, 
Thou shalt not kill; and whosveyer shall kill shall be in 
danger of the’ judgment: 

“But [ say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his 
brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; 
and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in dan- 
ger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall 
be in danger of hell fire. 

“Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there 
rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee ; 

“Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; 
first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer 
thy gift. 

“Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in 
the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver 
thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, 
and thou be cast into prison. 3 

“Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come 
out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” 

After several words of introduction, he took for his sub- 
ject: “Thou shalt not kill, but love; for he who does not 
love, kills.” 

“What a strange subject,’ thought the German who was 
at William’s house Sunday before. - 

He was right to think that, for the sermon was no 
trial sermon, neither was it intended for one, but it was suit- 
able for the Sunday, and for the condition of the congrega- 
tion, for unity and brotherly love were strangers in that 





144 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


church, William also thought, “If they cannot hear the 
truth‘ they shall not have me for their pastor.” Let us take 
a part from the sermon. 


“You have heard that it was told to them of old: Thou 
shalt not kill; but whosoever kills, she shall be in danger of 
the judgment. Surely, we have also learned this same pas- 
sage from childhood up, as children in school; and | think 
that we have really fulfilled this command, and if we read 
of murder in the first and second degrees, we are like the 
Pharisee, throw our head back and BAY, ‘T thank thee, O 
wod, that I am not like this or that one.’ 


“Now listen how Christ interprets this passage: ‘But 1 
say unto you, whosoever is angry with his brother is in dan- 
ger of the judgment; and whosoever says Raca, is in danger 
of the council ; and whosoever says, Thou fool, is in danger 
of hell-fire.’ 

“My friends, our hands can be clean from the blood of 
our neighbors; but is our mouth clean from evil speaking of 
our brother? ‘Whosoever is angry with his brother is in 
danger of the judgment.’ 

“How is it with you, brethren? . Listen, you can also 
kill with your tongue. How many hearts have been wound- 
ed with words, and are bleeding, and its blood crieth up to 
heaven, as the blood of the righteous Abel. The dagger 
which cut the wounds is hard, cold, angry words, and the 
murderer? LHe is gone, he is often a friend, the husband, 
the wife, brother or sister, relative, or some member of the 
church. These words could be engraved on many a tomb- 
stone: ‘The heart I have broken lies here.’ There is no 
judgment on this earth for such a murderer, but God will 
judge him. Surely, God is very strict with this command: 
‘Thou shalt not kill.’ He does not look at the hands alone, 
but at the heart and mouth also. 


THE CITY MISSIONARY. 145 


“<He who is angry with his brother is in danger of the 
* judgment.’ Harsh, but true words. He who envies, hates, 
yes, he who would much rather kill bis brother than to see 
him enjoying himself upon this earth, he shall be in danger 
of the judgment. In the heart of man there is nothing but 
hate and vengeance. He hates his God-and neighbor, and 
would hike to take revenge for the least offense. Oh, that God 
might write these words deep in every man’s heart : ‘He who 
is angry with his brother is in danger of the judgment.’ 

“Oh, that we could tear out the envious eyes, this tongue 
that robs so many of true happiness, and cut off these hands 
that itch for revenge, and conquer the heart that hates God 
and man, and learn to pray: ‘Create, O God, in me a new 
heart.’ ‘Thou shalt not kill, but love; for he who does not 
love, kills.’ 

“ «Therefore, if thou wilt sacrifice an offering, and re- 
memberst that thy brother has something against thee; 1 say 
to you, leave your offering, and make friends with thy 
brother.’ These words are suited for this congregation. We 
have come before God to worship, with songs and prayer. 
’ We must prepare ourselves for an important act, for the elee- 
tion of a pastor, and if this election should be one with 
which God is pleased, we must forgive each other, and alli 
our hate and enmity against our neighbors must be put aside. 
I believe this to be a hard sacrifice for you. You do not love 
each other as you ought, and your congregation suffered on 
account of it. Oh, bring this offering to God to-day and He 
will bless you. Has any one brought hate to church this 
morning,—hate toward God and his neighbor. Fight, 1 say, 
against this passion, for you are in the presence of Him who 
said, ‘Forgive, and you also shall be forgiven.’ Leave this 
nonsense in church and take home with you the blessing of 
the living God, that you may be able to pray, ‘Forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors.’ 

10 





146 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES, 


“While you are yet in the way with him.’ We are.yet 
on the way, on the way to eternity, on the way to judgment 
and death, and all injustice and wrong can be put aside. Oh, 
do not delay, now is the time, now while you are in the way. 
Believe me, it is hard to stand by the grave of an enemy. 
Friends, think of the end; place yourselves in the light of 
eternity, throw yourselves at the throné of mercy. Forgive 
your brother while you are in the way with him. 


***O love, as long as love you can, 
O love, as long as love you may, 

The hour will come, the hour will come 
When you’ll stand at the grave and—pray.’ 


“But then it is too late, yes, too late, the wrong donc to 
him cannot be forgiven by him on this earth; yes, too late. 
Come brother, come sister, give me your hand. My heart 
forgives. 

«Let not thy wrath burn within thee ; 
One Christian the other love; 

And if he, as his true Master does, 

In him will burn the flame of love, 

In which he should practice.’ Amen.” 

The congregation listened attentively, and William 
prayed that his words might not have been spoken in vain. 

Then the congregation sang: 

“No more, my God, I boast no more 
Of all the duties I have done; 


I quit the hopes I held before, 
To trust the merits of Thy Son. 


“Now, for the love I bear His name, 
What was my gain, I count my loss; 
My former pride I call my shame 
And nail my glory to His cross. 


“Yes; and I must and will esteem 
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake ; 


TUE CITY MISSLONARY. 147 


Oh, may my soul be found in Him, 
And of His righteousness partake 


1? 

After the song, William asked all the members to be 
present in the afternoon at three o'clock, as the election of 
the minister would take place. Then he pronounced the 
benediction and dismissed the church. William was invited 
by our German friend to dinner. We will call bim Mr, 
Reinkard. 

“According to what you preached,’ he said, “it is my - 
wish that you should be our pastor; but i fear there will be 
some that are against you.” 

“Have I not spoken the truth? And if the members 
cannot listen to the truth, | do not wish to be clected.” 

“Your sermon has done me a great deal of good, for the 
hate which I had against several members, because they 
strewed thorns on our former pastor’s path, I left in church, 
But | know some will be against you.”’ 

“We hope that the other members have also left their 
hate and envy in church, and even if I should not be elected 
1 will be satisfied, for I know I have not preached in vain.” 

During this conversation they arrived at Mr. Reinhard’s 
home. They were welcomed by his wife, a noble Christian, 
who had arrived home somewhat earlier. 

At the appointed hour the members of the congregation 
came in great numbers. William opened the meeting with 
prayer, and then told what the purpose of this meeting was. 
Two other ministers would also have liked to serve the con- 
gregation, and William mentioned their names, and suggested 
that they vote for the first mentioned. But Mr. Reinhard 
said, “I make the motion, that we vote for our candidate 
William, as I know that the most of our members are in fa- 
vor of him.” 

“We ought to elect one of our own Synod,” one of the 
old members said. 


148 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES, 


Then a handsome gentleman, with a full beard, spoke: 
“Brethren, I think Brother William bas preached well, and 
what he said was the truth. I have lett all my hate in 
church, and I hope many others did the same. Before we 
begin the election, let us forgive and forget.” 

After this another gentleman arose and said, “Let us 
first sing a song.” 

Jehovah! Father, Spirit, Son! 
Mysterious Godhead! Three in one! 


Before Thy throne we sinners bend ; 
Grace, pardon, life, to us extend. 


Without saying another word, tickets were given out 
and the votes gathered, when all except one were for Wil- 
liam. 

The election was over, and William was elected pastor. 

He thanked them for the confidence which they put in 
him, and said that he would accept the call, if he could be 
taken into their Synod, of which he felt certain. 

In the evening prayer-meeting was held at Mr. Orlin’s 
house, and at midnight William arrived home. 

« His wife and children were pleased that they could go 
to Chicago again, but that night William did not sleep a 
wink. 








=— 


DIVISION. 





THE PASTOR. 


| 
pied 
_ 














1. TO CHICAGO AGAIN. 


The sun was just peeping over the distant hills when 
our old friend. William awoke. After he had dressed him- 
self, and not to disturb the rest, he left the house to take his 
morning walk. <A strange feeling seized him; he liked this 
little country place, and now he had to leave it. Although 
his financial circumstances were changed for the better, he 
could scarcely overcome the sad feeling. 


“The last night in my own house is passed,” he said to 
himself. “Poor heart, when will you come to rest on this 
earth? When can you say, I have arrived at my last station 
in life, most certainly when God shall say, ‘Come again, thou 
son of man.’” 

It was very pleasant weather, and the warm southern 
wind was blowing over the yet frozen earth. He took a seat 
on one of the benches near the house, and looked at God’s 
lovely nature. Everything was taking its Winter sleep, but 
here and there the green grass was coming out. While look- 
ing around he saw a little flower, a primrose. Should he 
pluck it? Only a few flowers bloomed for William. He 
thought of the words of the poet, “If thou seest a flower on 
thy path, pluck it.” He plucked it, and went into the house. 
The first one he met was little Marie. 


“Where did you find that flower, papa ?” she asked. 


“In our garden. It is the first which has bloomed for 
us, and the last that will bloom for us here.” 


“Breakfast’s ready!” Julia called; and they followed in- 
to the dining-room. 2 
“Q mamma, papa found a flower. We must take it 


along for remembrance,” said Julia. 
151 


> a oe 
} Serre 





152 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


After they were seated to take breakfast, William took 
the Bible and read the 122nd Psalm, “A song of degrees of 
David.” 

i joy’d when to the house of God, 
Go up, they said to me. 
Jerusalem, within thy gates 

Our feet shall standing be. 


Jerus’lem, as a city, is compactly built together 

Unto that place the tribes go up, the tribes of God go thither: 

To Israel’s testimony, there to God’s name thanks to pay, 

For thrones of judgment, even the thrones of Dayvid’s house, there 
stay. 


Pray that Jerusalem may have peace and feliciiy: 

Let them that love thee and thy peace have still prosperity. 
Therefore [ wish that peace may still within thy walls remain 
And ever may thy palaces prosperity retain. 


Now, for my friends’ and brethren’s sakes, 
Peace be in thee, I’ll say. 

And for the house of God our Lord, 

Dll seek thy good alway. 

After reading, he made a few remarks, then a hymn was 
sung, and prayer spoken. Then they prepared for their 
journey to Chicago. 

“Well, we are going back to Chicago; do you like it” 

; Yes,” was the answer. 

“Well, we hope that you will; but our beautiful home, 
our pretty garden, with the lovely flowers, we cannot take 
along; and the home in which we are to live is gloomy, and 
not very large. We cannot be as happy as we were; can’t 
play on the meadow and pluck flowers in the woods, this we 
shall miss. But even this may be for the better; and one 
thing we can and will take along, our God, who has kept us 
in His way.” 





THE PASTOR. . 153° 


“At least, we will not be parted so much. Wealso shall 
find a large circle of friends, and this will help us to forget 
what we have left,” his wife said. 


“Well, then, in the name of God,” they reverently said, 
and went on with their preparations. 


As the three girls, Louise, Theresa and Augusta had al- 
ready gone to Chicago, and also the father with the little 
baby, which he named Esther, they could at once begin to 
“pack up.” 

William sold the place to a family in Chicago, including 
the cow and 50 chickens. 

The cow had a little calf, and while Mary was driving 
them to pasture, and Julia feeding the chickens, tears came 
into the girls’ eyes. They could not well part with the pets 
they loved. 

Marie asked, “Papa, can’t we take Bossey along ?” 


~ 


“No, my child, we would have no place for her.” 

“We should take something along,’ William’s wife said; 
“your guinea fowls, or ‘weather prophets,’ as you call them, 
and our cats; these four animals we will take along.” 

In the afternoon several farmers came and offered to 
take his furniture to the city; so they concluded to leave on 
Thursday. At ten o’clock, Thursday morning, they arrived 
at Chicago, and were welcomed bp their friends, who accom- 
panied them to their {new home. About four o’clock the 
same day his furniture came, and everything was soon ar- 
ranged. 

After everything was put in order his friends lett, and 
wished them a good night. 

“I think,” said William’s wife, “we shall have plenty of 
work and great troubles.” 

William took the Bible and read the 23rd Psalm, after 
which they all joined in singing the Doxology : 





154 


CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ! 
Praise Him, all creatures here below! 
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host! 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! 





ers 


THE PASTOR. 155 


2. THE FIRST CLOUDS. 


It was Saturday morning, and William was in the school- 
room giving instructions to children that were going to be 
confirmed at Easter. 

He loved to do this more than anything else, for he 
wished to obey his Lord: “Lead my children, the work of 
my hands, to me.” Both of his daughters belonged to this 
small class, 

He was speaking to them of the “only comfort in life 
and death,” and Julia had just ended her verse, “For none 
of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself; For 
whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s;’” when there was 
a knock at the door. William opened and Mr. Reinhard and 
an elderly gentleman entered, who was introduced to Wil- 
liam as Rev. Mann, agent for our church. William asked 
them to take a seat and wait until the recitation was over, or 
if they wished he would dismiss the class. They were willing - 
stay till instruction was over; and this was only a pretext 
to find out whether William was capable of teaching the 
children. After he had finished he asked Rev. Mann to 
make a few remarks, which he did. After he dismissed the 
class, he asked the gentlemen to come over into his house. 

After he had made his guest acquainted with his wife 
and children, he asked the cause of the visit. 

“T am sent by the mission authorities of the Synod to see 
how things are in Chicago, as word came to us that Brother 
K. resigned his position and left for Harrisburg. Mr. Rein- 
hard has informed me that the congregation has elected you 
as their pastor.” 

“Then you will preach for me to-morrow?” William 
asked. 

“I did not come to preach, but to listen to your sermon,” 
was the answer. 


eee sal ais Bs beck 





< 


156 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“You wiil certainly prt for me in the evening?” 

“Yes; that I can do.” 

William asked his friend to remain all night at his home, 
but he declined, as he promised Mr. Reinhard to stay with 
him. 

Atter the men had departed, William, as well as his wife, 
felt a pressure. <A dark foreboding told them that the Synod 
was not satisfied with the election. 


“T believe we would be better off had we stayed where 
we were,” his wife said, 

“It may be, but can’t be changed now. We have said 
A, and must say B, we better trust all our things to the Lord, 
who knows the destiny of man.” 

On the following morning William arose early to mem- 
orize his sermon. The pressure which filled his heart with 
pain, changed to happiness. 

When it was time for service, our guest arrived, and the 
church was almost full of people. 

He who is ruled and guided by God can be content, 
for He will give him the right words to speak. 


William did not know that this Rev. Mann was coming 
to visit him, and yet he chose the right text, which was taken 
from Matth. 7: 13-20. As the reader does not always like 
to refer to the Bible, we give the passage : i 

“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and 
broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there 
be which go in thereat: 

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which 
leadeth unto life, and tew there be that find it. 

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's 
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather 
grapes off thorns, or figs off thistles ? 





THE PASTOR. 157 


“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but 
a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a 
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. , 

“Every tree that bringeth not forth £008 fruit is hewn 
down, and cast into the fire. 

«Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” 

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” With these words 
he began his sermon. He explained in his own original 
way, how the doings of a person are judged and condemned, 
-—then he illustrated how the fruit can be known, and that 
only good, sound trees can bring forth good fruit, and how 
the farmer begins to clear a piece of woods. He takes fire 
and his ax, to destroy all the evil trees from the good soil. 
He finds many moli me tangere—touch me not, which says: 
“T am here longer than you are old. Let me stand, for if 
you do cut me down, then new sprouts will shoot forth from 
my roots; therefore, save all your trouble.” But the farmer 
says: “Can't be helped; you are an old thorn bush and must 
be cut down; you are only worthy of being burned you 
‘spread a Gprustal shade around.’” And he destroys the 
whole bush. 

His theme he took from the 15th verse: “Beware of 
false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but in- 
wardly are ravening wolves.” 

With these words he began the first part of his sermon. 
And these words made a great effect on Rev. Mann. His 
eyes seemed to grow larger behind his glasses, but while 
William proceeded his face brightened, for he thought that 
he was preaching this sermon on account of him; but he 
was mistaken, for William kept at his text. He asked: 
“Who is it that walks upon the broad and on the narrow 

way? Friends,” he continued, “if a man is preaching the 
Gospel to you, and he himself is on this broad way which 


wscF° CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


leads to destruction, and tells you that that is the only way 
to heaven, do not believe him; he is a false prophet. ‘Enter 
ye in at the strait gate ; for wide is the gate and broad is the 
way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that 
go in thereat.’ 

“<Tjeadeth.’ Every man needs to be saved, and this 
necessity the false prophets also have, and in order to make 
the way of salvation easy, they lead the people from the 
right path to the path of destruction. God is love, how 
should and could it be possible that God forbade His children 
to have all the enjoyment that they can find on this earth? 
Do not follow the head-hangers, but 

“Live happy— 

Die happy— 

For that spoils 

The devil’s fun. 
“That is what we preach. 


“They remember not that the devil also hands in_ his 
bill when the false prophets lead the people the wrong way. 
Surely, the gate is wide and the way broad which leads to 
destruction, and many are they that enter thereat. Is it not 
true? Look around you, see how the people run from one 
place to the other, to satisfy their lust. See how they dance 
to the measure of the music, and while this is going on, the 
devil rubs his hands and says: ‘Keep on, my good soul, you 
are mine.’ ”’ 

In this manner William continued his sermon. 

After service was ended, William asked the elders to re- 
main to speak to the Rev. Mann. 

After William introduced Rev. Mann, he said: “If the 
brother has anything to say particularly, I will leave the 
room.” 

“No, no; what I have to say you may hear.” 


esrb logy Yh 





THE PASTOR. 159 


Rev. Mann was informed how the church made the a:- 
quaintance of William, and that they had chosen him on 
their own accord, and that it would be very unwise if the 
Synod would not agree to the election. 

The Rev. Mann also thoagbt that there could be noth- 
ing in the way, but William had to be examined, licensed, 
and ordained, and they (that 1s, the congregation) had to 
hand in a petition to that effect. He also would be present 
at the meeting. 

After they departed, Mr. Reinhard, who was looking 
very sad; came to William and said: “Reverend sir, I don’t 
know where this will end yet. Of one thing I am certain, 
that this man will du some injury to you. You remember 
asking him yesterday if he would not preach for you in the © 
morning, whereupon he answered that he would rather listen 
than preach, and as I took him around yesterday he was 
asked if he would preach in the morning, he answered you 
did not ‘beg’ him to. What should that mean?” 

“Why, he is quite a diplomatist. I did not ‘beg’ him, 
as he expressed himself, that is true. I thought the asking 
was sufficient.” 

“But what now?” 

“Don’t worry, my friend; God will provide. Without 
fighting it will not pass; but through the battle to victory!” 

In the evening the mission agent preached on the first 
Psalm, and he spoke words worthy of reflection. His theme 
was: 

“That man has perfect blessedness who walketh not astray, 


In counsel of ungodly men, nor stands in sinner’s way, 
Nor sitteth in the scorner’s chair.” 


After service he departed from William, saying: “Dear 
brother, I hope we can work together for our Master for 
many years. Continue to preach as you have begun; it is 
the right way in a large city. Iam glad that I can givea 


160 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


good account to the authorities. God be with you. Good 
night.” 3 

“Good night!” 

After he went William said to himself, “The departure 
of the agent was a ‘counterfeit grote,’ to speak as does Fritz 
Reuter.” 

Before they went to rest, William read the 27th Psalm, 
and as this chapter closes it would be good if you, dear read- 
er, would read it too. 





THE PASTOR. 161 


3. THEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION. 


William handed in his request to be examined, and the 
Synod appointed the district to which Chicago belonged, to 
take charge of it. The location was only thirty miles dis- 
tant, and being so near Mr. Reinhard accompanied William. 

Arriving at the place, they found the mission agent, who 
was president of the district, and the local minister. 

As no quorum was present they concluded to wait. Per- 
chance some other minister might come. 

But no other made his appearance, and as the evening 
approached, the people gathered in church and William had 
to preach. 

After the church had been dismissed there was no quo- 
rum yet. The pastor telegraphed to Milwaukee, and the an- 
swer was: “Will arrive with the next train.” 

The next train was due at midnight, they went to the 
station to meet it. 

Arriving at the parsonage, they went into the pastor’s 
study to open the mecting. 

William thought of the night when Christ, the Saviour, 
was brought before Caiphas and condemned, and especially 
that He was condemned to deeth before He entered the pal- 
ace, and His calling was only for a pretence. 

He was disturbed in his thoughts by the president's 
words : 

“T declare the meeting open.” Then he made a short 
prayer, and told what was to be done. 

The local minister asked for the floor, and taking his in- 
vitation in his hands, remarked: “Brethren, we are out of 
order. The meeting was called for the 15th of this month, 
and it is now the 16th. I make the metion that we adjourn, 
and that the president appoint another time.” The motion 


was accepted and the noctural meeting was closed. William 
11 


162 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


and his elder, Mr. Reinhard, looked at each other, and the 
latter made some remark, of which only the word “farce’’ 
was audible. 

As at four o'clock that morning another train passed 
through the place to Chicago, they took it, and just as the 
sun was rising they arrived in Chicago. 

“As God will lead me, that path I will go,’ William said 
to himself. 

Mr. Reinhard was not satisfied, for his blood was not so 
calm as before. However, he controlled himself, and said 
nothing. 

The mission agent was walking along silently. The 
thoughts that he had only God could read. 

Week after week passed, and the young Christians were 
waiting for their confirmation. Easter had come and gone; 
otherwise things went their usual course. 

At last an invitation was sent to William that he should 
take part in the postponed conference at Milwaukee. 

Two elders, one of whom was Mr. Reinhard, were sent 
along. They were instructed and impressed that the congre- 
gation wished their pastor to be installed as soon as possible. 

A quorum was present, but the mission agent did not 
appear. 

William was introduced to each of the members pres- 
ent. After the meeting was called to order, and several 
things spoken on, they went over to the examination of Wil- 
liam. 

Everything was different here. The brethren all looked 
friendly, and also several members of the church were pres- 
ent when the examination began. 

It will be of little interest to the reader, therefore only 
a synopsis shall follow. The first question was: 

“Do you feel yourself called to the ministry?” 

“Yes.” 


THE PASTOR. 163 


“What is your reason for believing this? and what 
makes you believe that God has called you?” 

Hereupon he told them how he, from childhood up, al- 
ways wished to be a minister, and how God had led him 
through different ways, and brought him to America and 
here; how he had constantly been working for the welfare 
of others; told them of the blessings which he received, and 
also the good he had done through his teaching while being 
city missionary, ete. 

They listened attentively, and then the president began 
with the actual examination. 

First came the “Heidelberg Catechism,” then Ecclesiasti- 
cal History and Literature, then Practical Theology and 
Exegesis on the Epistle to the Romans, ete. 

The catechism questions were answered well, but the 
history of the church and literature were not. He had for- 
gotten the birthday of Zwingli, the day upon which Huss and 
Hieronymus were burned at the stake, and the year in which 
the diet of Constance was held, had disappeared from his 
memory. 

In the literature it was the same; he knew the great 
men, also their works, but the days when they were born 
and when they died he did not know—he had a very 
bad memory for numbers. He knew the great works 
which God established through men, but he did not know 
when, nor the place. 

In Practical Theology he was at home, so to speak, al- 
though some answers may not have been so very practical in 
the eyes of the examiner. 

The Exegesis was a pleasure to him, and especially as 
the examiner understood how to examine. 

But this part was interrupted by one of the brethren 
taking cut his watch and saying: “It is now almost six, and 
at half-past seven William must preach, and me must consult 


164 CHICAGO -IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


whether to accept his examination or not, and our peopie are 
waiting for us, for the stomach must be fed as well as the 
soul. I make the motion to close the examination.” 

The motion was seconded and accepted, and the judges 
went out to consult, leaving the members and William in 
church, It was getting dark, and the lamps were lit. Wil- 
liam was calm. If they should not accept his examination, 
he knew that according to their own judgment they had 
judged. 

After about fifteen minutes they came into church again, 
and the president announced that “the examination of candi- 
date William is accepted, and that he be licensed to preach 
the Gospel after he has delivered his discourse, and at Pente- 
cost should be installed in his own church at Chicago.” 

After the chairman had finished, they congratulated 
William, and a heavy-set old gentleman, who formerly was a 
ship captain, introduced himself as William’s host, and Jed 
him to his home, where his wife prepared a splendid supper. 

After supper they went to church, where William was to 
preach, and arriving there, found the church crowded to the 
utmost and still more people coming. William had many 
friends in Milwaukee, who came to hear him. He spoke in 
a manner which he never again equaled, his text being 
Psalm 18: 30: 

“As for God, perfect is His way, the Lord His word is tried ; 
He is a buckler to all those who do in Him confide.” 

After church William was ordained, and since his con- 
firmation he had never felt so happy as at that night. 

Before they betook themselves to rest, William’s host 
told in a like manner to Fritz Reuter how he came by his 
wife. 

He was taken to the hospital in Boston, being sick, and 
she attended him at that time, and after getting well he asked 
her to be his wife. She consented. 


THE PASTOR. 165 


“Et war man gaud, dat mien Fru dumals kenn katholisch 
Nonn was, sonnern eene evangelische Diakonissin, de man doch 
nicht dat Friegen verboden heti, suess har ick woll alleen min 
Schipp doerch dat Leven stuerrn moesst, den ene anre haerr ick 
nich nahmen;” (that is, It was good that my wife was nota 
Catholic nun, but an evangelical deaconess, who are not forbid- | 
den to marry, or else I would have had to steer my ship 
through this world alone.) 

Then his wife said: “Du, wenn dat Wurt ’ne Brueg wier, 
denn gueng ick saecker nich daroever, denn ick wir bang; dat ick 
inbreken dee un verdrinken !’ (Say, if those words were a 
bridge, I surely would not cross it, for fear of it breaking, 
and I would fall into the water and drown.) 

It was late when they went to rest. On the following 
day, after William had visited some of his friends, Mr. Rein- 
hard and himself went home. The other elder had already 
left in the morning; and when the ordained pastor and his 
friend arrived at Chicago, they were welcomed by a large 
company of friends and taken to their homes in carriages, 
where he was most heartily welcomed by his wife and two 
daughters. 














166 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


4. THE INSTALLATION. 


O thou joyfully, 

O thou blissfully, 

Ever grace-bringing pentecost ! 

Christ our Redeemer, 

Sanctifies the soul; 

Christians, be of good cheer, be of good cheer! 


O thou joyfully, 

O thou blissfully, 

All world-renewing pentecost! 

Lead us, Spirit of grace, 

Through Thy holy ways. 

Christians, be of good cheer, be of good cheer! 


O thou joyfully, 

O thou blissfully, 

Holy, comforting pentecost ! 

We, the happy blest, 

Thou wiit consolate ; 

Christians, be of good cheer, be of good cheer. 


This was the opening hymn to the morning service on 
Whit-suntide, which was sung by boys and girls. 

On this day William’s installation should take place, and 
after the sermon the confirmation class was to be examined 
and tu partake of the Lord’s Supper. 

The minister, at whose church William had to make his 
examination, and who made the motion to postpone the 
meeting, had to perform the action. 

The mission agent was also present. 

The first, we will call him Brother A. B., preached. 
His text was taken from Acts 2: 1-13; for his theme he had 
the fourth verse: “And they were all filled with the Holy 
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit 
gave them utterance.” 


THE PASTOR. 167 


After the sermon, William went up to the altar, and the 
congregation sang : 


How beauteous are their feet 
Who stand on Zion’s hill! 

Who bring salvation on their tongues, 
And words of peace reveal. 


How charming is their voice ! 
How sweet the tidings are ! 

“Zion, behold thy Saviour King! 
He reigns and triumphs here.” 


How happy are our ears, 
That hear this joyful sound, 

Which kings and prophets waited for, 
And sought, but never found! 


How blessed are our eyes, 
That see the heavenly light! 
Prophets and kings desired it long, 
But died without the sight. 


The watchman joins their voice 
And tuneful notes employ ; 
Jerusalem breaks forth in songs, 

And deserts learn the joy. 


The Lord makes bare His arm 
Through all the earth abroad: 

Let every nation now behold 
Their Saviour and their God. 

After the hymn Brother A. B. and the mission agent 
went to the altar to perform the holy rite of installing Wil- 
liam. : 

After this was brought to an end, William began to exam- 
ine the children, who were well-instructed, for they answered 
every question asked them. Before the confirmation they 
sang : 

Witness, ye men and angels, now 
Before the Lord we speak ; 





168 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


To Him we make our solemn yow, 
A vow we dare not break :— 


That, long as life itself shall last, 
Ourselves to Christ we yield; 

Nor from His cause will we depart, 
Or ever quit the field. 


We trust not in our native strength 
But on His grace rely, 

That with returning wants the Lord 
Will all our need supply. 


O guide our doubtful feet aright ; 
And keep us in Thy ways: 

And, while we turn our vows to prayers, 
Turn Thou our prayers to praise! 


The first question, “What is thy only comfort in life and 
death ?” was answered by the whole class: 

“That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am 
not my own, but belong to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, 
who with His precious blood hath fully satisfied fur all my 
sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil, and 
so preserves me that, without the will of my Heavenly Fa- 
ther, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things 
must be subservient to my salvation; and, therefore, by His 
Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes 
me sincerely willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.” 
—G. W. Williard, A. M. 

The whole catechism was taken through in like manner, 
and the congregation was listening with heart and ears, till 
at the last, when they all recited Eph. 3: 20-21: 

“Now unto him that 1s able to do exceeding abundantly 
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that 
worketh in us. 

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus 
throughout all ages, world without end.’ Amen. 


THE PASTOR. 169 


The examination having ended, William addressed the 
children in the following manner : 


“Be faithful unto death; then I, saith the Lord, will 
give you the crown of life.” Thereupon each of the chil- 
dren received their certificate of confirmation, and afterward 
the members, with the children, were invited to take the 
Lord’s Supper, William being assisted by the Rev. A. B. and 


the mission agent. 


After this all joined in the hymn: 


Be faithful unto death: 

My soul, let no sorrow chase 
Thee from the cross of Jesus; 
Endure all thy distress ; 

Be faithful unto death ! 


Be faithful unto death: 

He who fights well, will be crowned, 
Although the world doth mock Him, 
Eat courageous thy bread ; 

But, be true unto death ! 


Be faithful unto death: 

Seest thou not thy golden crown ? 
Swing thyself to yon region 
Where God gave you His hand ; 
And, be true unto death! 


T’ll be true unto death: 

True to Thee, my Saviour dear ; 
Thou wilt write it in my heart 
What my mouth has vowed: 
That I am always thine! 


After William had dismissed church and eaten his din- 
ner, he went into his room to be alone with God. There he 
thanked Him for all the privileges he enjoyed, and for lead- 
ing him into His path, and guiding his footsteps, and he 
prayed that God would grant him to work in His vineyard 


ES ene 





170 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES, 


as long as he was able, and that he might have the blessings 
of his Saviour Jesus Christ. 

While thus engaged his wife called him, as the elders 
wished to see him. When he entered the parlor, Mr. Rein- 
hard came to him, and gave him, in the name of the congre- 
gation, a cape, and said: “Dear pastor, until now you have 
not been wearing a cape. God does not look at the clothes, 
but at the heart, tosee that your heart is full of love, both 
toward God and us, we are convinced. However, we are 
Germans, and as such we like to see our pastor wearing a 
cape; therefore, take this as a present from the congregation. 
God bless you!” 

“Amen,” said William, and heartily thanked them for 
the present. 

In‘the evening William addressed a crowded congrega- 
tion, wearing his cape. His text was taken from {Joshua 10: 
14: “And there was no day like that before it, or after it.” 

In his introduction he remarked: “If there was ever a 
day in my life, when I would like to have called out with 
Joshua, ‘Sun, stand still!’ it is this day. But it is growing 
late, yet this day marks a new epoch in our life, to me as. 
well as to you, dear congregation, and is also the first Whit- 
suntide—the birthday of the Christian Church,—which I 
have spent with you as your pastor. However, these hours, 
in which we feel like calling out, ‘It is good for us to be here, 
and let us make three tabernacles, have been of short 
duration. To-morrow we must again return to the work, 
and to the fight ; but in all our doings God is able to give us 
more than we ask or think.” 

Service ended, William was soon with his own family, 
and as they were tired, they prayed “Our Father,’ and went. 
to rest, 


THE PASTOR. 171 


5. IS NOT THIS A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE? 


At last William’s desire was granted, and he was a pas- 
tor,—that is, he was now a shepherd, and as such must lead 
his sheep to the pasture, feed and water them. His congre- 
gation! The words sounded sweet. But should he not 
search for others? Many pastors think one need not look 
for the lost sheep of Israel, or at least ask them to join the 
church, but William acted differently. After he was installed 
he began to search for the lost ones, and tried to bring them 
to the cross of Jesus, and especially those that did not be- 
long to any denomination. 

On the following day, his youngest daughter, Maris, told 
him that in the neighborhood a German lady was very ill. 
William went over to see her. Upon entering the room in 
which the lady was, he looked around at the lovely surround- 
ings. There was a fine Brussels carpet, and the bed in 
which the sick lady lay was finished in fine walnut. The 
covering was white as snow, and from between the pillows 
two dark eyes glared at him. 

The woman was deadly pale, and the dark black hair 
was hanging loosely around her bead. 

“How are you to-day ?” William asked, and came nearer 
to the bed. 

The lady looked up and said, “Who are you? i don’t 
know you.” 

“Iam your neighbor, pastor of the Desplaines Street 
Church. I heard that you were sick, and thought it my duty 
to visit you.” 

“IT am glad you have come. Really I am glad that some 
one thinks of me.” 

“Have you no family ?” 

“Yes, I have a husband,—my second: My first husband 
died; this one isa drunkard. From his first wife he had 


172 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


three sons and two daughters, but no one bothers himself 
about me; they will be glad when I die, that they may in- 
herit my fortune. My mother lives, but she is old and sick, 
and one of my step-daughters, the best of the lot, is attend- 
ing her.” 

“What misery is in this house,” thought William. Then 
he asked her what ailed her. 


“] have a cancer in my stomach, and have dreadful 
pains.” ; 
“Then your disease would seem incurable ?” 
“Yes, my days are numbered.” 


“You will excuse the question, but as I am pastor, I 
think I have a right to ask: When you die, do you think 
that you will be saved?” 

“Saved? I don’t know, never bothered my mind with 
that question.” pits 

“Was the Word of the living God never taught to you?” 


“Yes, when I was confirmed, but since then I never en- 
tered church. I came to America young and alone, and— 
please excuse me speaking further.” 

“Do you not wish to die happy ?” 

“Yes, if there is hope for me; but I fear it’s too late.” 

“It is never too late, as we have the privilege to accept 
of Christ to-day.” 

William took his Bible from his pocket and read the 
parable of the lost sheep ; then he prayed for the weltare of 
the sick and departed, promising to call again the next day. 


At midnight the door bell of William’s house was rung, 
and William responded. The servant asked him to please 
come over, as the lady wished to speak to him. When he 
entered the room, he found the woman in great excitement, 
and looking at him she said: “O, I must soon die, and I am 
lost!” 


THE PASTOR. 173 


“Lost? No, no, dear lady; yet it is time for you to re- 
pent. Weshould not be lost; it is the will of the living . 
God that man should be saved.” 


“God loved the world of sinners lost 
And ruined by the fall ; 

Salvation full at highest cost, 
He offers free to all. 


“Oh, ’twas love, ’twas wondrous love! 
The love of God to me; 
It brought my Saviour from above, 
‘Yo die on Calvary. 
/ 
“F’en now by faith I claim Him mine, 
The risen Son of God; 
Redemption by His death I find 
And cleansing through the blood. 


“Love brings the glorious fulness in, 
And to His saints makes known 

The blessed rest from inbred sin, 
Through faith in Christ alone. 


“Believing souls, rejoicing go; 
There shall to you be given 
A glorious foretaste here below, 

Of endless life in heaven. 


“Of victory now o’er Satan’s power 
Let all the ransomed sing, 

And triumph in the dying hour 
Through Christ, the Lord, our King.” 


The lady listened attentively, then shortly after she 
said : 

“O, I wish I could believe that, but I can’t.” 

“Why not?” 

“My past life is a mountain between myself and God. 


Since we are alone, listen to my past, and then judge for 
yourself if I am not lost—lost forever. 





174 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“I was born in Wurtemberg, my father was a workman, 
and my mother an ordinary pious woman. She visited 
prayer-meetings regularly, and after I was twelve years of 
age, she often took me along, and if I would have stayed at 
home, I would have followed her footsteps. I left all my 
friends, relatives, father and mother when I was sixteen, and 
came to America. Arriving at Chicago, I looked for a place 
and found one in a house of ill-repute on State Street. IL 
was not experienced, and my mistress often wanted me to 
lead the same life that she was leading, but I resisted, until 
her son asked me for my hand, and I became his wife, being 
not yet eighteen years of age. My husband treated me well, 
but s!owly and surely I was falling a prey to a life of shame. 
My husband took me to the theater, dances, parties, and so 
on, and in this way I became a harlot. He was a partner of 
the business which my father-in-law had, tbat is, a saloon, 
but it was more of a play and sporting house.” 

“What was the number of the house?’ William asked. 
And having been told, he found out that it was the same 
place where Dr. Adolphus used to have his headquarters and 
which he also visited in the first part of his stay in Chicago, 
and where the unfortunate Mr. von Wendel killed himself. 
“Yes, there is a nemesis,” William thought. ‘Please con- 
tinue.” 

“We had four children, but they died before they were a 
year old; and I am glad of it. My husband’s parents died, 
so he took the whole business into his hands, and I helped 
him. To earn money was our aim. Then the fire broke 
out. I shall never forget that night, from Sunday to Monday. 
When the west side began to burn the light illuminated our 
house, in which, behind locked doors, a regular Bacchus’ feast 
was being celebrated. Wine and intoxicating liquor fired the 
people, so that, half naked, they were dancing around in the 
room. 


THE PASTOR. 175 


“A pastor, Adolphus by name, was the leader of this’ 
crowd. Ina short time our house caught fire, and like crazy 
people we ran out into the street, each trying to save him- 
self. How many were burned no one found out, as the girls 
did not stay at the place, and even children of reputable 
parents were in this crowd, but the parents did not know it.. 
Hundreds of innocent girls were ruined here. Our house 
was thought to be a decent place and only those that really 
were acquainted could find the play hall. 

“On the following day I found myself in -the hospital. 
Being burned and unconscious I was taken there. My pres- 
ent husband saved me. It was more thankfulness than love 
that made me marry him. 

“My first husband was burned to death. He was found 
under the ashes of our house, and beside him the bones of 
either girls or boys. Atter I recovered, I built me three 
houses with the money I had saved, but, suddenly this dread- 
ful disease seized me, and now I am lost. Oh, I can’t tell 
you how my conscience troubles me, for my husband and I 
are the fault of the ruin of so many girls. Now judge, am 
I not-lost? Can there be hope for such a person?” 

“Poor unhappy creature,’ William said, who was great- 
ly moved by her words. 

“Yes, poor and unhappy; more than that, there is no 
more hope for me!” 

“Yes, there is hope; believe in Christ Jesus and you 
will be saved.” 

After this introduction the earnest talk was continued, 
which resulted in the woman beginning to be quiet and hop- 
ing for grace and forgiveness. The sun was shining bright- 
ly when William left the house. After three days she died, 
having repented and being saved through the blood of Jesus. 

After her burial, he saw in her will that she donated 
eight hundred dollars to the Orphan Home, which, after her 


176 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


mother’s death, should be handed over to him. This money, 
however, was never paid. And as several banks had mort- 
gages on the property, and the administrator refused to pay 
the interest, they confiscated the property, and the adminis- 
trator, in order to get acompensation for his trouble, bought 
the property. The woman’s mother died in the poor house, 
after the houses were sold. God did not want this money 
which was earned in such a way for the benefit of the or- 
phans. 





THE PASTOR. 177 


6. THE PLOT. 


On Morgan Street, in a room, which was rented by four 
men for a consultation room, there was the Rey. A. B., and 
the mission agent, Mr. Mann. The two others were mem- 
bers of the church,—we will call one Judas, and the other 
Demas. The latter was taken up as member under Wil- 
liam’s pastorate. 


It was eight o'clock when the meeting was called to 
order. 

The chairman prayed. Just think, dear reader, men 
with venom in their hearts prayed, but only with their lips. 
I wonder if the Pharisees also prayed when they gave the 
money to Judas to betray his Master? . 

After the prayer, the chairman said: “Brethren, we came 
here to consult how and in what way we can get rid of this 
inguisitive Jack, this William of whom we know nothing. 
We ought not to have elected him, but we did, and now we 
must try and put him out of the way. Caution is the moth- - 
er of wisdom.” “Be wise as the serpent, but harmless as 
doves,” did not suit here. 


“Well, brother, tell'us what you have to say against 
Pastor William’s intercourse with that woman, who, as he 
said, is saved as a ‘brand out of the fire.’ ” 


Judas rose and spoke as follows: “Brethren, it is a 
shame to our church that our pastor visits the harlots, a 
woman that is despised by all, even by her own relatives. 
This woman has fallen so low that people do not wish to 
speak to her, and our pastor, after finding out that she was 
sick, visited her. It would have been different had'he been 
called.” 


“Brother Judas, I would like to find out all about this 


interview. Iam told that he knew this woman before, and 
12 


178 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


often went to the place with Dr. Adolphus. Do you know 
anything about that, Brother Demas?”’ asked Pastor A. B. 

“Nothing certain. Dr. Adolphus’ successor thought be- 
cause William was one of his best friends during the first part 
of his stay, he had often escorted him. What enrages me most, 
and what can be harm to the church, is that he bothered 
himself about this woman after hearing that she was sick— 

«that woman, who received the just punishment for her sins. 
~ We don’t want such a pastor, do we Brother Judas ?” 

“Yes, brother-heart,” he answered, “only don’t get ex- 
cited. I don’t believe that we can build our church in this 
way. By and by all the trash from the southwest side will 
come to our church, and none of the honorable members will 
stay. But let us be cautious, for we are fighting against 
many. There is Mr. Reinhard, and others, who would go 
through thick and thin, and the children, they will run 
through fire for him.” 

“You bet we will!” was heard from one of the corners 
of the room. 

_ They were afraid. They thought they were alone, but 
the daughter of Judas was in the room when the men en- 
tered, so she heard it all. 

“Will you get out of here!” the father cried. 

“Just as you say, father. Had you told me before, I 
would have gone then,—but for the pastor I will go through 
the fire,’ she said, and left the room. 

After they recovered from their shock, the mission agent 
said, “Brethren, she will tell all, and that will: place us in a 
bad light.” 

“T will take care of that,’ Judas said. 

After a short time this four-leaved clover again resumed 
where they left off. 

“T knew at once that that fellow was not fit for a place 
at Chicago, and for the Church, our beloved Zion,” said the 


THE PASTOR, 179 


mission agent. “However, nothing is lost yet, if we ‘stick’ 
to each other we can pull the ground from under his feet. 
Brethren, work in the church, see that more join our band. 
We must get the Synod against him, and as he is a beginner, 
we can soon drive him clear out of the field.” 

“I think that would be the: best,” said Demas, “yet I 
would like to tell you of something else he did. The day 
before yesterday a school boy told him that on the opposite 
side of the street there was a man very ill, who had the 
cramps. He went over with his children, and with the aid 
aft the larger boys, carried him into the schoolhouse. Then 
he went for the doctor, and soon arrived with him. He 
-found out that the man had taken poison, and one of the 
boys had to go for another doctor, before they could get the 
man outof danger. By so doing he did not teach, but told the 
children, ‘What you have missed this noon is not much, but 
the good you did will be written in heaven, for you have 
saved a soul from destruction.’ Then he and Mr. Reinhard 
went home with the man, and William stayed all night, and 
on the following day he went around and begged for provi- 
sions for him, as the man was poor and had none. Those 
are his ways, and thus he thinks he will be able to build a 
church. What had that man to do with him?” 

“That's just like him,” said the mission agent. 

“The last iime I was at his house, an Irish woman came 
there and cried and begged, as she had no money to buy her 
children bread, and asked if he could not do something for 
her. He reached in his pocket, and as he only had twenty- 
five cents, he said, ‘You will also give her a quarter?’ What 
could I do? Such impudence 1 had never seen before. 
Then he went about in the neighborhood and begged tor 
money, and gave the woman all of it. 

“But that is not all. We went out together. I wanted 
to take a look at the city, and he took me into a place where 


180 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


I did not care to go, and if I had been by myself I would 
never have gone there. Upon entering the room, one could 
see a dirty place, the bed upon which the sick man was ly- 
ing being very filthy, and his wife and children, ho looked 
terrible, were standing around the bed. 

“<¢Well, how goes it?’ William asked him. 

“<¢A little better; that money you sent helped us.’ 

“<T will bring more to-morrow; but after vou are able 
to work you must get at it.’ 

“Certainly, I will.’ 

“When we arrived on the outside‘ he said to me, ‘That 
man is a countryman of mine. He has fallen into bad ways, 
but I think I will be able to bring him on the right track.’ 
Then we wentto the county hospital. Here he went from 
room to room, and asked for Germans, and with each he 
spoke, and with the common trash he spoke most. After we 
left the place I said to him, ‘I thought you were going to 
show me the city.’ 

“<‘Why,’ says he, ‘we are in the center of the city, this 
18 a part of my mission field. This noon I will show you 
the aristocratic part of the city.’ 

“After we had eaten dinner at a restaurant, we went 
to other parts of the city. We also looked at Lincoln Park, 
and arrived home about five o’clock. When we had taken a 
lunch, I wanted to study, as I had to preach for him on Sun- 
day, when a man came crawling along, really crawling on 
hands and feet. 

“Willham’s daughter assisted him to a chair; when he 
was seated, he said: 

“¢Reyv. Rundherum, from the south side, sent me here 
as he thought that you might help me out.’ 

“What do you wish?’ asked William. 

“The man told him how he lost everything he had 
through sickness, and that he has a daughter in Los Angeles 


THE PASTOR. Bak b:4 


who would take care of him, but could not pay his traveling 
expenses. He had sold everything he had, that is, his tools 
"(he was a cabinet-maker by trade), and for them he received 
thirty-five dollars, but the expenses are sixty dollars, and 
therefore Rev. Rundherum sent him to William, as he knows 
the president of the railroad company, and might be able to 
secure him a pass. 

“<Brother Mann, ’he said to me, ‘I have heard that you are 
rich, and are worth about twenty-five thousand dollars. Show 
this man a favor and give him twenty-five dollars, for Christ 
says, “What ye have done to one of these least, that ye have 
also done unto me.” The Saviour is coming to you, in the 
form of this man.’ Just think of such impertinence ! 

“I never thought of doing such a thing, so he sent his 
daughter to Mr. Reinhard, and asked him for his horse and 
buggy. In a short time it was brought, and says he, «Will 
you go along, Brother Mann? I will make you acquainted 
with St. Hanns, as the people call him.” 

“T went along, we drove to Rock Island Station. Ar- 
riving there, we went to the president, St. Johns by name. 
Wiliiam told him of the poor fellow. | 

“Well, Brother William, I can do nothing for that man.’ 

“«You must help, Brother Johns it is the Lord who 
comes in that poor man.’ 

“ «Well, let me see.’ 

“He called several gentlemen, consulted them, then he 
said to him: 

“<7 think it will be all right; come again in about an hour.’ 

“We passed the time in a restaurant which was near the 
station, and afterward he went there himself and brought 
back a ticket to Los Angeles for thirty dollars. 

“How in all the world is that work for a minister? He 
will get all the rascals on his neck that are in Chicago, if he 
continues that way, and the church must suffer under it.” 


182 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. | 


The others told similar stories about Rev. William, and at 
last they concluded to work together to get him out of the 
way. 
It was eleven o’clock at night when they adjourned. 
The mission agent prayed, then they went to their homes, 
but that they slept the sleep of the just cannot be believed. 





THE PASTOR. ; 183 


7. MISSION FIELDS. 


Considerable time had passed since the meeting of the 
four who were going to plot against William; when he re- 
ceived a letter from the mission authority to look out for 
new mission fields, as the church body would like to labor 
more in Chicago. William did not have to look long tor 
such, for being city missionary, he knew exactly where such 
fields were. Ee informed them that he had found a place in 
which no other denomination was working, and if they 
would send the right man, the result would be favorable. 

After a month a young man entered William’s house, 
and introduced himself as the minister sent by the mission 
authorities to look at the field. His name was Omego. 

William looked at him a little closer, and did not like 
the man’s appearance—he was too conceited. He had some- 
thing in his manner that said. “Just look at me, I am the 
man,’ and he spoke in some way, peculiar to himself, as if 
he thought it an easy task to conquer the whole city of Chi- 
cago. He had certainly not learried in the school of his 
Master, who said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” 

“IT would like to see thé field and announce a meeting . 
for next Sunday, as the president of the mission authorities 
will be present, and Brother Allmacht and myself will hold 
service.” 

“Young man,” said William, “do you think, if I would 
advertise in the papers that on the following Sunday the 
Reverends Allmacht and Omego would preach in this district 
and at such a place, that all the Germans would run to hear 
you? The old lady would not leave her chair for such as 
that. You cannot work in Chicago in such a manner, nor in 
any large city. You must look at the place, build up a 
school, and then you win the parents; and if you are a true, 
upright Christian, which I doubt, you can’t help but have 


184 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


success. You were sent to me, and are my guest, and there- 
fore it is etiquette to speak in a more decert manner, but it 
seems to me, as if you think I ougbt to consider this as a 
great honor that you have visited my place. If you think 
that, you are mistaken.” 

This cooled him off, so to speak, for he excused himself, © 
saying, “Well, let it pass. I will telegraph Brother All- 
macht not to come.” ; 

He did so, but he could not get it into his head to teach 
school. An ordained minister teach school, and bother with 
the children? That would not work. 

Several days later he left Chicago, but he had to borrow 
money from William to get his ticket. “Boasting was bis 
property,” said the latter. 

After a short time William was asked to help build a 
Union Sunday-school, as in the neighborhood where it was 
to be built were many Germans. However, it would be 
necessary that he should donate two thousand dollars, for 
which he could open a German day school. 

William informed the authorities of the Church, and the 
president came personally, and spoke very nicely. He re- 
mained in Chicago several days, spoke to the men that hau 
started the work, and seemed to be well pleased. 

But after eight days William received a letter, stating 
that the mission authorities could not assist anyone at pres- 
ent. Therefore the work had to be dropped. 

Before continuing our story, the writer cannot help 
looking back over the 20 years that have elapsed since we 
first met our hero. In his first field, the largest Lutheran 
Church and-two schoolhouses were established; the schools 
are visited by one thousand children; the church has two 
ministers and twelve teachers. After two years the premises, 
of the Union Sunday-school were sold, when each that had 
payed two thousand received four thousand dollars, and the 


THE PASTOR. 185 


Evangelical Association built with the money, which they 
had gotten together, a church that is still growing. 

“Let us not be weary in doing good,’ was William’s 
motto. He looked for other fields, and the same thing hap- 
pened to them as to the first two. They wanted to show 
the Church that he was not the man for Chicago. After he 
understood that, he stopped looking for new fields. His 
main purpose was to ‘make all of his members practical 
Christians, for he hoped to bring new life into his slumber- 
ing church in so doing. 

In the midst of his work William received a letter from 
the. mission authorities, and also from a missionary who was 
going to work in Chicago, and who also asked for informa- 
tion as to how one could work best in a large city, ete. 

The results of the letter we must delineate in the next 
chapter. 





186 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


8. “SON OF MAN, BEHOLD, I TAKE AWAY FROM THEE, 
THE DESIRE OF THY EYES.’’—Ez. 24: 14. 


“Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire 
of thine eyes with a stroke, yet neither shalt thou mourn 
nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.”—Ezekiel 24: 16. 


William had written to the minister, who was sent by 
the Synod: “I am glad to have found some one at last who 
trusts in me, and asks me for advice as to how one can work 
best in a large city,” ete. 

About a week afterwards he came home one afternoon 
and found his wife and children in the greatest excitement. 

“Here, read!” his wife said to him. “Oh they will not 
rest till they have driven us from this place !” 

William took the letter and read, and as such a letter 
can easily excite a nervous disposition, we will let the reader 
see it also: 


BANVILLE, IND. 
To Rev. William, Chicago: 


Who told you that I trusted in you? Trust a person 
whom we know nothing of! I have no faith in you, and 
would not have written to you, had I not been asked to do so. 
by the Synod. I will come to Chicago and preach the Gos- 
pel, and not be bothered about you or youradvice. You had 
better try and get the Synod on your side, then you can give 
others advice. I do not @are for it. And if I had not been 
asked to write to you, I would not have corresponded with 
you. Yours truly, 

- Micuen Perer, Pastor. 


After William had read the letter he copied it, and sent. 
the original to Rey. A. B., who was at the conference to which 
William belonged. The children went to school, and Wil- 
liam tried hard to comfort his wife, but could not succeed. 


’ THE PASTOR, 187 


“Why did we not stay in Elmhurst!” his wife cried. 
“You will find they will not rest till we leave! They call 
each other brethren in the Lord—bosh; I would not want 
them for my brethren! They are Jesuits!—and they want 
to build Zion! O my head, how it burns, my head, my 
head !” 

At last his wife seemed to be calm. William wanted to 
go for a physician but she did not wish any. He put wet 
bandages around her head and they seemed to help; but it 
only seemed so. Julia prepared supper, while little Marie 
went for Mrs. Orlin, who soon returned with her. William 
told her all that had happened. After supper his wife, being 
told to go to rest, followed the kind lady’s advice. She was 
complaining of headache, but at nine she began to sleep. 

The children also went to rest. Mrs. Orlin went home, 
and William watched at his wife’s side. He took his com- 
forter, the Bible, and it opened to the 24th chapter of Eze- 
kiel, 15th verse, he began to read half aloud: 

“Also the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son 
of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thy 
eyes with a stroke; yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, 
neither shall thy tears run down. 

“Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind 
the tire of thine head upon thee, and put thy shoes upon thy 
feet, and cover not thy lips and eat not the bread of man.” 

He read to this place, when suddenly his wife came 
stumbling down in front of him, crying, “O my head, my 
head !” There she lay like a dead person at his feet, and 
soon her blood stained the floor of the room. 

Both daughters came running into the room on hearing 
the cry. The soon succeeded in getting her into bed, and 
then William went for the physician, and soon arrived with 
him. Upon examining her, he pronounced it a case of con- 
gestion of the brain. 


188 : CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


After William got the medicine for her, he took his seat 
at the side of his beloved wife. 


“Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire 
of your eyes.” The words still echoed in William’s heart. 
He took the Bible, which was yet open on the table, and con- 
tinued reading, “So I spake unto the people in the morning ; 
and at even my wife died.” 


William put the Bible down to pray for the life of his 
wife, asking if it was the will of God that He would spare 
her for His Son’s sake. 

While praying, his wife put her hand on his head, say- 
ing: 

“William, I die. You must marry again. Take a wite 
that is good to the children.” 

“O Julia, I hope you will get weil. We can’t do well 


without you; God will spare you.” 

“No, William, I die; bury me at Waldheim; but after L 
am dead, think of my mother in Germany.” 

“Child, you will not die; do not speak so,” 

“Ask the doctor; he will tell you that there is no hope 
for me.” 

Slowly the hours of the night passed. Only afew times 
was the silence interrupted. When morning dawned the 
doctor came. 

William went with him to the door, and as he was about 
to go, he heard his wife call to him: 

“Don’t forget to ask the doctor!” 

“What should you ask me?” the doctor asked. 


“My wife would like to know if she must die of this dis- 
ease ?” William answered. 

The doctor looked at him in astonishment. Then Wil- 
liam said: “Just tell us, for we belong to those that do not 
fear death.” 


THE PASTOR. 189 


“T hope that she will recover, as she has a strong con- 
stitution, but it is not probable. Ride down to the southside 
and ask Doctor Z. to come to your house to-morrow morning 
at ten o’clock. I would like to consult with him.” 

Ten long days and nights Mrs. Orlin and William and 
other female friends watched alternately at the bed of his 
dear wife. 

“Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire 
of your eyes.” The words still echoed in William’s heart. 
On the tenth day she was feeling better, and when the doc- 
tor came William said to him: “I hope my wife will re- 
cover.” 

The physician examined her and said: 

“Hurry, and call Doctor Z. again.” 

William obeyed, and in a short time arrived with him. 
Entering the room, he heard his wife say : 

“OQ Jesus, my salvation !” 

Another congestion of the brain had set in, and his 
eyes’ desire lived three days longer, without being conscious, 
and was then released. The pain she had endured cannot be 
described. 

The news that William’s wife had died spread fast, but 
very few knew the real cause of her death. 

Brother Reinhard and Rev. A. B. sympathized most 
with William. The latter even asked William’s pardon for 
the past. Both were friends, but the future will show that 
the friendship of Rev. A. B. was not kept up, though Wil- 
liam was greatly attached to him. 

Through the death of his wife, William first found out 
how much he was beloved by his members, who paid all the 
funeral expenses. 

“Bury me in Waldheim.” This was the last wish of the 
departed mother, and she was taken there three days after- 
wards. 


190 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


Brother A. B. and another young minister held the ser- 
vices. The latter preached from Revelation 2: 10: “Be thou 
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” 
After he ended, Rev. A. B. mounted the pulpit. He had 
been a Jewish Rabbi. He took the Bible and opened it at 
Ezekiel 24: 16: 

“Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire 
of your eyes, with a stroke; yet neither shalt thou mourn, 
nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. 

“Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind 
the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon 
thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of 
men. 

“So I spake unto the people in the morning; and at. 
even my wife died; and L did in the morning as_ 1 was com- 
manded.”’ 

He spoke well. He explained that a minister must not 
be discouraged through the death of his own. “Weep, my 
friend, when you are alone. Do we not all believe that we 
shall see each other again after this life? This faith can 
comfort us at the grave of our departed ones.” 

God bless the man for these words! 

When the funeral procession arrived at Waldheim, the 
sun was going down. The choir sang: 

“With tearful eyes I look around ; 
Life seems a dark and stormy sea ; 

Yet, ’mid the gloom, I hear a sound, 
A heavenly whisper, ‘Come to Me.’ 


“Tt tells me of a piace of rest; 

It tells me where my soul may flee: 
Oh, to the weary, faint, oppressed, 

How sweet the bidding, ‘Come to Me.’ 


“Come, for all else must fail and die! 
Earth is no resting place for thee; 


THE PASTOR. 191 


To heaven direct thy weeping eye, 
Tam thy portion, ‘Come to Me!’ 


“O voice of mercy, voice of love! 
In conflict, grief and agony, 

Support me, cheer me from above! 
And gently whisper, ‘Come to Me!’ ” 

After the hymn Rey. A. B. read the suitable Bible verses 
and then dismissed them with the benediction. Slowly they 
walked away, one after another, till at last William with his 
daughters was left alone. They looked down into the 
grave, and the tears were rolling down their cheeks, for a 
dear one had gone from them. 

Atter a short time Mr. Reinhard came and said: “Dear 
pastor, come; your carriage is waiting for you. Your tears 
will not bring your wife back. Come, come along to my 
house.” 

William obeyed. 

“Your tears will not bring your wife back.’ Yes, Mr. 
Reinhard was right ; she will not come to me, but I will go 
to her,” thought William. 

Arriving at Mr. Reinhard’s, and after eating a little, 
they went home,—the children to rest, but William still re- 
mained up. Everything seemed dead to him. He thought 
of the time when he first met his beloved wife, thought of 
the joy and troubles which they shared with each other. 

“There, read! They will not rest till they have driven 
us from this place.” 

These words formed part of the last incident of’ his 
married life. Killed through the hate of people with whom 
he never came in contact, who were influenced by others*not 
to do as he said, but to work their own plans and schemes 
against, him. 

“Yes, there are also evangelical Jesuits,’ he thought. 
He would much rather have thrown everything into the 


192 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


corner and left the next day, but he was loved by his mem- 
bers, and that love was fully returned. 

Oh, how hard it is to believe, 

When all try to deceive ; 

Tis hard to trust the living Lord 

When the last hope is gone to naught, 


he said, half aloud. “Yes, the poet was right when he said: 


It costs much to be a Christian 

And live according to the Holy Spirit; 
For it is hard for nature to confess, 

And under the cross of Jesus to submit ; 
And is there-here a battle to be fought? 
That matters naught. 

Here we must walk upon serpents. 


Yes, yes! Their venom of hate is yet in his soul; he 
felt it; and this venom was threatening to enter his heart, 
threatened to throw him back to the Old Testament doc- 
trine: “An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth.” 

He felt a burning in his heart, which cried for revenge. 
Had his wife died suddenly or through the cause of some 
other sickness, his faith would not have been shaken so much, 
but she was killed by a sudden emotion of the mind, caused 
by a sensational persecution of people who called themselves 
Christians. She was murdered ! 

The poet Gerok was right, when he said: “One can 
stand at the grave and exclaim: She has been poisoned, and _ 
the criminal can not be brought to justice. 

The murderers, who have killed her, walked around as 
free as could be; yes, they played an important role in the 
church to which they belonged. 

She was gone. William comforted himself by taking 
his Bible in hand, and he read the words of St. Paul, “For 
God is faithful.” Yes, God is faithful. 

Then he took a piece of paper and wrote : 


THE PASTOR. 193 


Our God is true. 
_ Why be afraid, my soul ? 
Our God-is true: 
He’ll take those to His goal 
Who trust in Him. 
Then hope anew— 
Our God is true. 


The morning sun peeped into his room, and found him 
still awake. 





13 


} , 
194 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


9. LOUISE. 


After the hearts were comforted to a certain extent, the 
women and young ladies held a meeting to speak over such 
things as could be useful for the pastor: 

Mrs. Orlin called the meeting to order; after this bad 
been done, Louise, our old friend, said: “No one, besides my 
parents, has done so much for me as Rev. William, and I be- 
lieve if it had not been the will of God that I should have 
met him, I would be amongst the living no more; and there- 
fore I think it my duty to give up my present situation and 
keep house for him.” 

“That will not do,” Mrs. Orlin said somewhat excitedly. 
“You dare not keep house for the pastor.” 

“Why not?” several of the ladies asked. 

“I cannot tell the reason! Louise, you know that we 
love you, I and my husband; therefore spare me a closer ex- 
planation to your question in the presence of these people, 
but if you will go home with me I will tell you. Are you 
satisfied ?” 

“Yes,” Louise answered. 

After speaking for a long time, they agreed to come and 
help in the pastor’s tamily as much as possible. 

Louise accompanied Mrs. Orlin. Arriving at her home 
they went into a room, locked the door, and remained there 
for a long time. 

As Louise was on her way home, one could see that she 
had’ been crying. 

“Be strong, child,’ said Mrs. Orlin, as they separated, 
“T mean it well with you.” 

“T do not doubt that,” she answered. 

One month later a messenger came from the county 
hospital, who asked to-'see Rey. William. After being seat- 
ed, he said: . 


THE PASTOR. 195 


“Miss Louise is sick again with nervous fever. She did 
not wish for any one to tell you, but as she is recovering, and 
as she is too weak to go to work, the director sent me to you, 
as you took such great interest in her the last time she was 
sick.” é' 
“Louise sick? and no one told me of it? She did not 
want me to know it? That is strange,” William said. “Wait 
a minute; I will go with you.” 

Tossing on her bed lay Louise, murmuring, “Where 
should I go? I can’t go to the pastor’s house, and to Mrs. 
Orlin or to my other friends I don t want to go. Father and 
mother are dead. My only brother has disappeared. Why, 
O God, should I have recovered?” . 

When the messenger and Rev. William entered, the lat- 
ter said, “Louise, why did you not let me know that you 
were sick? I missed you in church, asked for you, but no 
one could tell me where you were.” 

“T would have liked to send word to you, but I was not 
allowed.” 

“Why not? I don’t understand.” 

“Mrs. Orlin can explain it to you.” 

“Mrs. Orlin? She don’t know where you are.” 

“That may all be true; still she can explain to you what 
I can’t.” 

“Well, let that go. We may thank God that you have 
recovered.” 

William knelt down at the side of her bed, took ber 
hands into his, and thanked God for Louise’s recovery, and 
prayed that He might keep her in His ways. 

After he prayed he said, “Now, Louise, as soon as you 
are able, you come to the house. You can have a home 
there, and as you have no father nor mother, I will be as a 
father to you. My daughters will welcome you, and you 


196 - CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


can help them in many things. They have lost their moth- 
er too soon, when they needed her most.” . 

“Oh, how happy your offer makes me. I will do for you 
and your daughters all that is in my power, to prove myself 
worthy*of your love and kindness.” 

“T shall have everything in order, and will senda wagon 
to-morrow to get you.” 

After William had saidthis he departed. He went to 
Mrs. Orlin to get the explanation. On entering the room, he 
asked: “Have you heard anything of Louise, or where she 
is?” 

“No. I haven't seen her for a month; and to look for 
her I had no time, but I think that I can look around this 
week.” | 

“That will not be necessary; I just came from the hos- 
pital. She is sick again with nervous fever, but is recover- 
ing; and I have come to you to get an explanation as to why 
Lulu did not want to send for me.” 

“Dear pastor, you know that I wish you well, and you 
know I have rebuked Lulu’s ideas before, when she wanted 
to become nurse. The women have a sharper eye than the 
men ;, but what’s the use of this long introduction. Louise, 
after the death of your wife, wanted to come and stay with 
you, in order to aid you and your children. At that time 
she said that it was thankfulness that prompted her action, 
but it is another motive besides thankfulness.” 

“But what motive?” 

“She wants to become your wife.” 

“But, Mrs. Orlin, what are you thinking of? She is 
only four years older than my oldest daughter. Were I not 
in mourning I would laugh heartily at such thoughts.” 

“Laugh on, for 1 know it is just as I think, What con- 
firms my suspicion is that she did not send word to any of 


” ‘ 


us. 


THE PASTOR. 197 


“Well, let it be as it may, I promised to take her into 
my house, and told ber she can think of me as her father, as 
God has taken her father and mother.” 

“I wish you success. It i8 good that you told her that 
she can look up to you as a father.” 

“I thank you for your hint. I shall give her no cause 
whatever to think that I love her in the sense that you mean. 
She can become my adopted daughter.” 

“I hope that she will be content, but be on the lookout. 
Lulu is pretty !” 

x ¥ x ie * ee x 

The Summer was coming to its close. In the parsonage 
everything went along its regular course. 

William's daughters tried hard, and also Lulu, to cheer him 
and make him happy; when he arrived home in the even- 
ing, and when there were no Bible hours, they would sing 
together or play on the piano. William kept away from the 
girl as much as possible, although he was kind to her and 
took care of her as a father. 

With the greatest calmness Lulu did her work. 

When she sat beside the other two girls one would have 
taken them to be sisters, as they were all blondes, with large 
blue eyes. If it would only have remained so. 

One day William came home rather tired. Louise and 
Marie had gone to bed, and Julia, the oldest daughter, waited 
till her father came home. She was evidently in a state of 
great excitement. 

“Papa,” she said, “Louise must leave.” 

“Why, child?” 

“Just think, she told Mrs. N. if she were only your wife 
then you would be better off, and as we are yet young, we 
cannot please you so much; and then we would take more 
from her, and she could have more to say.” 


198 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“But child, that cannot be. Ihave given her no cause 
to think of such a thing.” 

“T know; but that is the truth.” 

“To-morrow we will spéak more about it. Don't be 
afraid, Lulu will not be your mother: and if she is not satis- 
fied with being a sister to you, then she must look for an- 
other place.” 

Mrs. Orlin judged correctly. Who can read a person’s 
heart. 

On the following morning, after they had eaten break- 
fast and prayer had been spoken, William said, “Now, chil- 
dren, sit down here a minute. I have something to say to 
you. First to you, Lulu. Have you said that you would 
like to become my wife ?” . 

“No,” she said, and blushed. 

“And yet you have told Mrs. N. if you were only my 
wife. Have you said that ?” 

She did not answer. 

“You will leave this house this day, and never enter it 
again. 1 owe this to my honor.” 

He wanted to say more, but he could not, so he left the 
room. 

After six weeks, the messenger of the county hospital 
came again, telling that Lulu was sick. “Do you want her 
to come again?” William asked his daughters. 

“Yes, papa, let her come.” 

And so she came. After a short time she found out that 
her brother lived in lowa. She wrote to him, and soon went 
there. What became of her, no one ever found out. 





THE PASTOR, 199 


10. THE KITCHEN OF THE POOR. 


The cold Winter in the second year after the conflagra- 
tion was so dreadful, that among the lower-class popu- 
lation there was great distress. All these things constrained. 
William to bring these circumstances before his vongrega- 
tion, and establish a kitchen for the poor, in order that ihey 
could have one warm meal a day. After considerable pro 
and con it was at last agreed to establish a poor house. Wil- 
liam let Mr. Reinhard take the chair, and he asked for the 
floor, and said, “Dear brethren, the want is great. We want 
to be Christians and show that we are, in the love of God, 
accepted as children. Then, if this love is in us, let it drive 
us to fulfill our Lord’s command: ‘Is it not to deal thy bread 
to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out 
to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover 
him ; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?’ 
And again, ‘Whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his 
brother have need, and shutteth up his heart to have com- 
passion on him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?’ 

“Let us show the world that we are Christians in the 
full sense of the word; then we will first be able to build the 
Church of God. Do not think of the sacrifices of love which 
this undertaking will cost, the means God will send us in 
time. Our schoolhouse is almost empty; there we will have 
room for a kitchen and also dining-room. In order to have 
money, I shall lecture on the History of the Reformation, 
for the benefit of the church, and for the upper room of the 
schoolhouse I will pay to the church one hundred dollars, if 
they wish me to, and will give them a check this evening. 
Think again ; it is a noble work that you are about to under- 
take, and God will bless our church for it.” 

The church would not accept Rev. William’s hundreé 
dollars, but willingly agreed to establish the kitchen of the 


200 CHICAGO IN TEARS “AND SMILES. 


poor. All were in favor of it except Judas and Demas. The 


first left church before the meeting was ended. 


On the following day the ladies had their meeting, and 
William asked them to help him in the undertaking. They 
were all willing and appointed a committee, who were to _ 
help in the kitchen, and promised to help secure a large au 
dience at the lectures. The kitchen was to be opened on the 
first Monday in January. | 


x 
ig x e sk . sf 


Again it was Christmas. On the first, Christmas day 
the Desplaines Street Church was crowded to the utmost, and 
extra seats had to be-brought in. William’s text was Isaiah 
9: 6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: 
and the ‘government shall be upon his shoulder; and his 
name shall be called Wondertul, Counsellor, The mighty 
God, The everlasting Father, The prince ot Peace.” 

He showed that this Child was born for all—for the 
rich and for the poor, for the mighty and the lowly; and 
asked: if God really could look down with good-will to- 
~ ward men, in this time, where want is so great, if the peo- 
ple would not help those in need ? 

The sermon made a deep impression upon the congrega- 
tion. ‘Then he told them that on the first Monday in Jan- 
uary the kitchen of the poor would be opened, and as there 
was not yet enough money got together to begin, he would, 
on the second day of Christmas, hold his first lecture, and - 
that they should bring their friends, as the admission was 
only ten cents. 

In the collection of the church many envelops were put 
into the basket, on which was written, “For the poor.” 

His first lecture comprised, “The Life, Works and Death 
of John Huss.” 


THE PASTOR. 201 


The collection was large enough to open and keep the 
thing up for several days. 

A widow, Mrs. Regert by name, took charge of the 
kitchen. Pork and beans were cooked on the first day. 

“For how many persons should I set the table?” asked 
the directress. 

“Well, for about fifty,” Wiles answered, 

“So many will not come.’ 

“IT don’t know !” 

As the clock struck twelve, everything was prepared,” 
ready to be served. They waited patiently, at last the door 
opened and a little girl entered, who offered to help. 

A quarter of an hour passed and it seemed as if they 
had cooked for naught. 

Then a negro entered and asked in a bashful way, “Can 
I have something to eat?” 

He told them that there is a crowd of people standing 
at the door of the church and caa't find the way. 

The little girl went out and called them, and they ate 
heartily. There were more than fifty. 

Mrs. Regert was a practical, good and honorable widow, 
who filled her place well in all respects. He who came first 
was served first. And as only one meal was served out, they 
spent the afternoon in preparing for the next day’s repast. 

Julia and Marie, the daughters of William, also did their 
share. Mrs. Regert spent her evenings in the company of 
the pastor and his family, and doubtless memory still recalls 
those happy days. 

There were about one hundred people fed per day, and 
God often helped wonderfully. 

One very cold day in February, Mrs. Regert came to 

William and said: “Reverend sir, we have no more 
provisions, we must give it over.” 

“Have you nothing at all?” 


202 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“One meal of peas, no bread, no meat, and no salt.” 

“No salt?” William felt in his pocket and found twen- 
ty-five cents, and giving it to her, he said: “Take this and 
buy some meat and cook it with the peas, and by noon God 
will help.” 

“You have a strong faith.” 

“Yes; that I have.” 

“While William was going to his home, alittle girl came 
to him with two large loaves of bread. “My mother sends 
this bread for the poor,” she said. 

He had scarcely arrived home when one of his confir- 
mation girls came to pay for a catechism which she had 
bought. 

“Wait a moment,” said William, as the girl was about to 
depart, “I must first get your five dollar bill changed.” 

“No, no; mamma said the rest should go to the poor.” 

With a thankful heart William went to buy bread. 
While he was walking along, he met the Jew whose child 
William had taken into his house after the fire. He said: 
“Reverend sir, I have come to bring something for the poor. 
What do you need ?” 

“Everything—we have nothing left on hand.” 

He went to a grocery and bought five dollars’ worth of 
provisions. Then both went to the coal dealer, who at once: 
sent on a ton of coal. 

When he arrived home he found the closet full—rice,, 
peas, beans, crackers, and all kind of spices. 

Mr. Reinhard, who had a grocery store, had purchased 
goods, and from each one he received something for the bene- 
fit of the poor. 

While: Mrs. Regert was looking at these things with 
folded hands, a butcher came with some mutton. 

“Mrs. Regert, has not my faith proved itself?” 

“This is a wonder.” 


THE PASTOR. 203 


“Tt is no wonder at all. God awakened the hearts of 
these people at the proper time, and the results you see.” 


Before the first guests came, a farmer from Elmhurst 
arrived, bringing a barrel of potatoes, turnips, and some 
money. 

In the afternoon a young couple came to get married. 
They gave him five dollars, in order to keep up his family, 
as well as to help others. 

In the evening William said to Mrs. Regert and to his 
daughters, “This day we must mark red in the almanac, to 
remind us of the heavenly grace.” 

At their prayer-meeting they sang: 


Be thankful for all, ye children of the heavenly love! 
Praise ye the Father, for the blessings sent you from above! 
Tis He alone !— 
Heaven and earth do atone; 
Praise ye, His creative power. 


Be thankdéul for all! For all is purity to the pure; 
Be thankful for all; everything is for His children sure. 
Mourn then no more; 
My frightened soul, mourn no more. 
Rest in Him who always lives. 


Heaven and earth, what do I want, what ean you give to me? 
Poor earthly gifts; everlasting life is only in Thee. 
One thing we want !— 
Blessed he, whom God does grant 
Peace, love, heavenly atonement. 


The Winter passed slowly. In the latter part of March 
the last meals were dished out. God had helped wonderfully. 
But this work which pleased God, and could have become a 
blessing to the church, was converted into a curse. It is a 
shame that so many Judases are in the church. But more 
of this in the next chapter. 


204 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


ll. “CATCH THE LITTLE FOXES, FOR THEY DESTROY 
OUR VINEYARD.” 


The Winter, with its cold and want, has passed, and 
again the queen of the year holds her triumphal march into 
the world, and spreads a velvet cover all around, leaving 
places where daisies, forget-me-nots and other beautiful flow- 
ers came forth. ; 

“OQ taste and see how good the Lord is,’ this is what 
nature preaches. “Who trusts in him is blessed.” 

Among the ruins of Chicago new life was springing up, 
and the want was, to a great extent, replaced. 

- Easter was passed, Pentecost came to hand. In connec- 
tion with this the mission feast was to take place. 

“Bind ye unto the altar’s horns with cord the sacrifice.” 
This was the motto of the Desplaines Street Church; and 
they decorated the church beautifully. 


Brother Mann stayed with his bosom friend Judas, the 
day before he made arrangements with William how the 
festival should be carried out. 


Rev. Mann was to preach first, then Rev. William. The 
first should speak of the mission abroad, the other of the 
mission at home. 


The church bells called, “Come, come!’ And the peo- 
ple came from far and near, and in a short time the church 
was filled. “Come, O Creator, Spirit blest,” echoed through 
the church and filled all the hearts with holy fear. William 
read a chapter, then prayed, and then Rev. Mann mounted 
the pulpit. His text was Isaiah 52: 7-10: “How beautiful 
upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good 
tidings, that publisheth peace ; that bringeth good tidings of 
good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy 
God reigneth ? 


a 
THE PASTOR. : — 205 


“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice 
together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when 
the Lord shall bring again Zion. 

“Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of 
Jerusalem, for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath 
redeemed Jerusalem. 


“The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of 
all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the 
salvation of our God.” 


The sermon was well worked out, as he held himself 
close to his text, and said, “That it was necessary to send out 
messengers that preach peace, preach repentance, proclaim 
salvation, that point to Jesus as the Saviour, as King, and 
Prince of peace.” 

After he ended, the choir sang: 

‘‘When Zion’s bondage God turned back, 
As men that dreamed were we.” 

After the hymn William mounted the pulpit, and said be- 
- fore he read his text, {Dear brethren and. sisters, I feel sad 
to-day; yes, so sad that I would much rather go into my 
room and pray to God, and weep, as Jeremiah wept over 
Jerusalem. Iam to speak-of the mission at home. I know 
well the large mission field of our city, as I was city mis- 
sionary ; I know the wants of those that are not yet Chris- 
tians, and yet who have ears for the Word of God; I know 
the hungry, know the sick. God is my witness, that I have 
worked diligently in trying to comfort the poor and the 
heavy laden. I have, as you well know, searched for fields, 
and found such, but I could not serve them; with your kind 
aid, we were able to help many poor; the eyes of the noble 
of the city were cast upon us, and we could have easily en- 
larged our congregation. However, some not knowing how 
to labor in the vineyard of God, have spoiled it. 


206 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


“it seems to me as though my sermon was as the song 
of a swan,—no one wants to understand me, nor will as long 
as I stand on the walis of Zion! What we have tried to 
build up, others are tearing down. But enough. 


“My text you will find in the second chapter, fifteenth 
verse, in the song of Solomon : 


“<Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the veins; 
for our vines have tender grapes.’ 

“Yes, our vines have tender grapes,” he began his ser- 
mon. “Before we can labor for the good cause of our God, 
His Holy Spirit must lead us, must live in our hearts and 
prepare the way.” He then illustrated how the grapes must 
be cared for. This brought him to the beginning of his 
text, “Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines. 

“Take them, or, in other words, catch them if you can! 
That is hard work; but if the vines should grow this must 
be done.”” Then he told them how the foxes can come into 
the vineyard, generally from the outside; they make holes 
in the ground, build their lairs in them and leave their 
young in them; therefore, it reads, catch the little foxes 
that spoil the vines. 

“This work is as necessary in a mission church as the 
planting and watering. May God give us the power to de- 
stroy all of them, and that we may labor for God’s king- 
dom,” 

Speaking thus, his guest turned from one side to the 
other, and his friend Judas turned as red as a turkey-gobbler. 
Evidently they thought, “We are meant by that.” 

And they were. William wanted them to feel it. 

Service ended, Mrs. Orlin asked William and his guest 
to come in the afternoon to take a cup of coffee at her house. 
When William arrived home he looked for his guest, but he 
was not there; he had gone with Judas. 


THE PASTOR. 207 


After dinner William went to Judas’ house to extend 
the invitation to Rey. Mann. Upon entering the hall of Ju- 
das’ house, he was about to knock, but hearing toud speak- 
ing, he listened, and heard: “Get William out of this church, 
and then the Synod will begin to work in Chicago; other- 
wise not. ‘To erect kitchens, visit the scoundrels, run after 
the drunkards and so on, that is no work for a minister,” 
Rev. Mann said. 

“The eavesdropper listens only to hear his own disgrace,” 
William thought; so he knocked at the door, and as some 
one said come in, he opened the door and came into the 
room as lightning from a clear sky. ae 

There were about half a dozen persons present, amongst 
them some whom William would not have expected to be 
there. 

He had caught the foxes. 

All that were present looked surprised, and Rev. Mann 
was as white as a sheet. 

William acted as though he had heard nothing, and said, 
“Rey. Mann, you are invited to lunch with Mrs. Orlin this 
noon, also my family, so I have come to get you. If I dis- 
turbed you, I beg your pardon; but as you are going to re- 
main in the city for a few days, you can postpone your con- 
versation to another time.” 

The guest was soon ready, and they went to the home 
of Mr. Orlin. On their arrival they found several of the 
members of the ladies’ society present, and they were hearti- . 
ly welcomed. 

Brother Mann had not much to say at fipst, but as he 
saw that no one made any remarks concerning church matters, 
he began to get lively, and he spent several pleasant hours in 
this happy company. 

William controlled himself wondertully, and showed 
great calmness. One thing was certain, that his days for re- 





208 CHICAGO IN TEARS-AND SMILES. 


maining in Chicago, or rather, with his congregation, were 
numbered, The foxes were destroying his vineyard. 

The sermon that William preached on Whitsuntide was 
criticised by some, while others were in favor of it. ILow- 
ever, a large part of those that said nothing still thought it 
unnecessary for William to have built a kitchen for the poor, 
as the Synod had not given their consent. 

The Summer passed without any trouble, but when 
Autumn came, and the leaves began to fall from the trees, 
and Winter approached with its special wants, the noble and 
- good joined themselves more closely to their pastor. Judas and 
Demas gathered the dissatisfied and the undecided around 
them, but worked cautiously. 

The Autumn ecclesiastical council came to hand. In 
the forenoon William and some of his members partook of 
the Lord’s Supper. After church he asked all to be present 
at the meeting at the proper time. 

The hour came, but the meeting was not well attended, 
only the true-hearted were present. 

When William was in the act of calling the meeting to 
order, Judas and Demas, with their crowd, entered, 

When the meeting was called to order, Judas asked for 
the floor. William told him that the account of the different 
committees came first, then he would be allowed to speak. 
After William had given the chair to Mr. Reinhard, he said: 

“Dear brethren, I heard the other day, without wanting 
to hear it, that our mission agent said, ‘Get William away, 
then the Synod will do something for Chicago.’ As I see, 
this advice te upon prepared ground, and it is bringing 
forth fruit, for to those that entered last this remark was 
made. As I wish that more would be done for the church, 
and as I am the only thing in the way, I hand in my resig- 
nation, and in a quarter of a year I leave. May God bless 
you.” . 


THE PASTOR. 209 


Then turning to those who last entered, he said: “I am 
sorry that you have deceived yourselves. I will not look 
for revenge, only I fear that your work will not succeed, for 
‘he who sows wind, will reap storm.’ May God forgive you 
as I have forgiven you. Brother Judas has the floor.” 

“Have nothing to say,” was the answer. 

One of the faithful ones made the motion not to accept 
William’s resignation, but William said: “There is no power 
on carth that could make me change my resolution. Let me 
free, for I can’t work here with pleasure.” 

No one said a word, so William prayedan “Our Father,” 
and the meeting was ended. 


> 





14 


eal ; f 
210 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


12. THE DEPARTURE. 


After it was known that William had resigned, letters 
came to him from all sides, asking what he intended to do. 
He answered every one without telling anything about him- 
self, only at the end he wrote: 

“Take care fur the Church in Chicago ; 
The Lord will take cere of me.” 

He did not wish to be a minister any longer, but wanted 
to establish an orphan home; and tor this purpose he secured 
two acres of land, 16 miles from Chicago. He also secured 
a situation in the High School as German teacher. 


He told this to Rev. A. B. only, and he thought his plans 
very good. However, before he arranged this he brought 
suit against the mission agent, Mr. Mann, at the District 
Court, to make him answer for his doings. This spread like 
fire through the Synod and he was asked from all sides to re- 
call his suit. But he said “No!” As the special meeting of 
the Synod was at hand, they were afraid that their foul plans 
would be laid bare. At length Rev. A. B. wrote to William, — 
saying that he wished him to recall his suit, and that he 
would be justified. Thinking him to be an honest friend, he 
recalled it, but he never was justified; and more than once 
William has remarked, “The greatest sin I committed against 
myself was that I took back that suit. Had not my friend 
A. B. written so friendly, 1 could never have been persuaded 
to do so.” 


The answer was, ‘He is a fine friend; he was deepest in 
the mire.” 

Aha, he also was one of the serpents that were nourished 
an his bosom. 

Amid these battles, the time passed and Christmas came, 
—the last that William and his congregation should celebrate 


THE PASTOR. 21t 


together. All those that were opposed to William were also 
present at the celebration. 

William was continually on the lookout for a suitable 
follower, but all declined to take his place. It was an open 
secret throughout the whole Synod that they had pulled the 
ground from under William’s feet, therefore no one wished ta 
accept the place. 

One of the brethren wrote to bint, saying, “If you are 
not able to. hold the boat on the water, one who is thoroughly 
acquainted in Chicago, how do you expect me to do so? ~Un- 
der such circumstances you ought not to have resigned.” 

William answered: “When a boat is in danger, amidst 
storm and raging waves, in danger of running on sand-bars, 
or being hurled against the rocks, more than one man must 
stand at the helm. One must sit in the basket on the mast 
and watch, others on both sides of the boat throw out 
lines to measure the depth of the water. To be able to do 
this, the captain gives the signal for help. Have they sent 
us help? They promised to do so, but when it came to the 
point, they said, ‘We cannot send you help.’ Evidently we 
will have to hoist the white flag, which means in the lan- 
guage of the sailors, ‘Save what you can.’ But enough with 
this illustration. There is one in our church who has the 
power to make wind and waters obey Him, and to Him we 
call, ‘Save us, O Lord, we perish !’) And He will help us; and: 
- what I fear will not come to pass, for our boat is strong, and 
even if destroyed a little, 1t can for many years carry the 
people into the blessed harbor.” 

William received no answer to this letter. 

The time approached that he should leave the church. 
No successor was there. 

Being asked by the president of the Synod to take a 
congregation in the State of Michigan he obeyed, and gave 
up the idea of establishing an orphan home. 


212 Bi CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


On the Sunday after New Year he held his farewell ser- 
vice, and preached from the words of our Saviour: “The 
foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but 
the Son of man hath not where to lay his head,” his theme 
being, “The servant should be as the master.” 


Many tears were shed during this service, and many 
prayers ascended to the throne of God. 


At the end of the service, the choir sang: 


Oh, fear thou not, my soul, 
F’en though your path be dark. 
Seems as though thy goal 

Hath disappeared, 

Believe, believe, 

Thy God is near; believe. 


Are you alone on earth, 
Your heart no pleasures sees, 
Fear not, e’en in dearth, 
Thy Saviour doth live; 
Believe, believe, 

Thy God is near, believe ! 


Satan may threaten thy 
Heart, and sins be many ; 
Fear not, Satan defy 

And mercy will lead 
Thee to the throne; 
Believe; thy God is near. 


Praised be our Saviour! 

He does not leave His own; 
FE’en though we be poor 

in the sight of the world; 
With God heaven 

Is on earth; soul, believe! 


All of his old friends were present to bid their pastor 
farewell. While they were crowding around William and 





THE PASTOR, 213 


his family, Mr. Reinhard remarked, “Brethren and sisters, 
let us sing a song before we part.” 

Julia, the oldest daughter of William played the organ, 
and playing a prelude, they all joined in singing: 

‘While His high praise you sing, 

Shake every sounding string: 
Sweet the accord ! 

His vital breath bestows ; 

Let every breath that flows, 

His noblest fame disclose : 
Praise ye the Lord.” 

After the last sound echoed through the church, Judas 
and the mission agent entered. The latter was to preach for 
the church until they found a suitable pastor. He was to 
reap what he had sown; and he did. 


POSTSCRIPT. 


Farewell, dear reader! Perhaps, you would like to 
know what became of the persons of this story. We will 
tell you as much as is known. 

Dr. Adolphus, like Cain, left the place to roam in far 
distant parts of the country. His conscience gave him no 
rest. Sometimes he was temperance preacher, then again 
wine dealer, and pastor of different denominations. The last 
heard of him was through the following newspaper clipping: 


“A certain Doctor Adolphus, minister of different de- 
nominations, left the hotel in which he was staying without 
paying his bill. He sent bis watch and other useful things 
to his wife. Whether he met his death by drowning or not, 
no one knows, but it seems likely.” 

Judas ended his career as did his brother, who betrayed 
the Master. 


214 CHICAGO IN TEARS AND SMILES. 


Demas, after lingering long, was also taken out of this 
world. May he have found repentance! 


The mission agent, Mr. Mann, begged pardon, and told 
William the whole story. Demas and Judas opened his eyes 
for him. He eventually became insane, and died in that con- 
dition. 

The Synod began to work at three different places after 
William was gone, and gave as much money as they could 
spare; but all their work was useless. 


Rev. A. B. holds one of the best places which the church 
can give. He also is a friend to William again, and seems to 
have repented of his treacherous work. 

Mr. Reinhard; Mrs. Orlin and the other friends are still 
living to the honor of their God and the welfare of the peo- 
ples)", 
~ And as to William, he is still working for the benefit of 
the poor and orphans. He is now president of an orphan 
home and a home for the aged, is beloved by all the noble 
and good, but still hated by the ignoble and jealous. 

Again, dear reader, farewell! 

WILLIAM V. STRANDE. 


THE END. 











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